Local dentist presents American Dental Association case for water fluoridation at commission meeting

Dr. Michael Friend, a dentist and local resident, presented to the Pembroke Pines City Commission on the science, benefits and controversies of water fluoridation and recommended the city follow health and scientific community guidance when considering any changes to fluoride in the municipal water supply.

Friend described fluoride as a naturally occurring mineral and said community fluoridation aims to reach an ``optimum level'' (he cited 0.7 milligrams per liter) to prevent tooth decay. He said fluoridation is endorsed by dental and public-health organizations and presented cost-effectiveness data, citing a figure from the American Dental Association that every dollar invested in fluoridation saves $38 in treatment costs. He acknowledged potential side effects discussed in the literature, such as dental fluorosis, and said more serious outcomes cited in some reports lacked definitive, credible corroboration in his review of the data.

Commissioners asked questions about comparative approaches used in other countries (for example, school-based fluoride rinses) and about local jurisdiction over fluoridation decisions; the mayor and staff noted that water providers and municipal policies determine fluoridation in jurisdictions that provide water. Dr. Friend encouraged residents to review original scientific sources when reading opposing views and offered to provide further information. The presentation did not result in any commission action; commissioners said the topic should be addressed based on recommendations from public-health agencies and science.

The transcript records questions and discussion but no motion or vote on fluoridation. Dr. Friend left his contact information with the commission for follow-up.