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Full-Text Articles in Dental Public Health and Education

Fluoride Started Here — And The Fight Over It Never Really Ended Sep 2026

Fluoride Started Here — And The Fight Over It Never Really Ended

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In the 1950s, opponents called fluoridation a communist plot (yes, really, it’s the gag behind Dr. Strangelove and his “precious bodily fluids”). The costume has changed every decade since, but the resistance never actually went away. It just waited. And right now, it's back in force: in 2025, Utah and Florida became the first states to ban community water fluoridation outright, bills to do the same were introduced in roughly twenty more, and federal agencies have begun re-reviewing the science and walking back the longstanding recommendation. Eighty years after Grand Rapids led the way, the thing we thought was settled …


Arctic Barnabas Ministries: Another Giving Tradition Oct 2025

Arctic Barnabas Ministries: Another Giving Tradition

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

Each Fall, a team of dedicated dental professionals travel from their West Michigan practices to the heart of Alaska to provide much-needed dental care to missionary families who serve in some of the state’s most remote regions. In this interview Dr. Devin Norman discusses the group's mission, the challenges they face, and the stories that have stayed with them.


Better To Give Than To Receive Oct 2025

Better To Give Than To Receive

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In this article Dr. Sarah Bouwkamp shares her experience joining a University of Michigan dental mission trip to Guatemala, serving patients in need and rediscovering the deeper purpose of dentistry.


The Caroline Grace Medema Memorial Fund Oct 2025

The Caroline Grace Medema Memorial Fund

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

In this heartfelt letter from Brent and Lorene Medema, the family shares their story and reaction to the decision by the WMDDS Board of Directors to honor their late daughter through the Caroline Grace Medema Memorial Fund. The fund will provide financial support for pregnant women and children in need of dental care.


An Interfaith Dental Program Update, Colette Smiley Sep 2025

An Interfaith Dental Program Update, Colette Smiley

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

Initially formed in 2021 in response to the dental needs of Afghan refugees arriving in Metro Detroit, the Interfaith Dental Program now addresses the dental health needs of the refugee and unaccompanied refugee minor population throughout Michigan. Read on for an update!


The Status Of Fluoridation Jun 2025

The Status Of Fluoridation

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

The future of community water fluoridation is uncertain amid legal action and federal leadership changes. Fluoridation is still recommended by the federal government, with new research following those recommendations affirming previous findings of safety and efficacy, however dentists remain central to public education and advocacy. A link to updated resources from the MDA is included.


From Diagnosis To Advocacy: A Dentist’S Journey With The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Jeffrey M. Heinz D.D.S., M.S.D. Dec 2024

From Diagnosis To Advocacy: A Dentist’S Journey With The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Jeffrey M. Heinz D.D.S., M.S.D.

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

This narrative reflects a dentist's personal journey from leukemia diagnosis to a decade of remission, highlighting the transformative role of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in cancer research, patient support, and advocacy. The reflection emphasizes the pivotal role of LLS in advancing blood cancer research, providing patient support, and advocating for affordable care. The author calls on dental professionals to contribute their expertise and leadership to support LLS’ mission and advance blood cancer treatments.