Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Flint Water Crisis And Community Water Fluoridation: A Lesson In Communication. Communicating With The Public And Connecting With Community Leaders, Traci J. Dantzler Dds, Raymond Gist Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article presents how not only was Flint’s water compromised lead contamination of residential waterlines during the Flint Water Crisis, but area dentists had to work hard to refute unsubstantiated claims that adding fluoride to the community water supply increased the level of lead in the water. Oral health advocacy to reassure citizens and build confidence in the community water supply following remediation efforts required sharing the best evidence while most importantly actively listening to assure that community members were heard; that they felt that they have a voice, and to know that we are here to listen to their …