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Residents, dental and medical professionals urge council to retain community water fluoridation
Summary
At least a dozen residents, dentists and health professionals spoke during public comment asking Ishpeming City Council not to discontinue water fluoridation and to consider its public-health benefits for children and low-income residents.
Dozens of residents, dentists, hygienists and other health professionals urged the Ishpeming City Council to continue fluoridating the city water supply, citing decades of public-health research and potential harms to vulnerable populations if fluoridation were removed.
Speakers included dentists and dental-hygiene professionals who described clinical experience with tooth decay and abscesses and who called fluoridation a low-cost preventive measure. Dr. Jim Hayward, who identified himself as a resident of Negaunee Township, referenced national recommendations and studies and said a 2023 National Toxicology Program report had been misused by opponents to justify removing fluoride. He emphasized the effect of untreated decay on low-income children.
Multiple local dentists and dental-hygiene professionals told council they routinely observe better dental outcomes in fluoridated communities and warned of increased cavities, infections and costly surgical treatment if fluoridation were removed. A dentist who identified himself as Bill Ballard said fluoride “is one of our best weapons in the battle against cavities” and described treatment burdens if community fluoridation ended. A retired pharmacist, Dave Campana, cited endorsements from national public-health bodies and said the recommended community level is 0.7 parts per million.
Several speakers noted the disproportionate impact of dental disease on children, the elderly and people with limited access to dental care. Caitlin Wadden, identifying herself as working in dental advocacy, said community fluoridation “is easily the most cost- and time-effective way to help promote dental health in our communities” and warned that removing fluoride would worsen an existing shortage of dental providers.
No council motion or vote on changing the water fluoridation policy occurred during the meeting; the presenters spoke during the public-comment period. Councilors asked clarifying questions of some speakers and thanked them for information. Staff and council did not indicate an immediate policy change at the meeting.
