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Local doctors and residents urge county to keep fluoride in drinking water
Summary
Several residents and medical professionals told the county they support maintaining local fluoridation, citing historical cavity reductions, dental benefits for children and limited access to dentists who accept Medicaid.
Several speakers at the public hearing urged the county to preserve current fluoridation practices in Saint Clair County. "I'm Dr. Anne Marie Ernst. My basic credential is the most important is that I'm a constituent of Saint Clair County and have been for the last 46 years," Ernst said, explaining she holds a medical degree and a degree in chemistry and that she has repeatedly attended related meetings. She argued that many medical and dental professionals who testified did so without payment and that fluoridation is an important part of public health.
Resident Kim Scribe of Fort Gratiot cited historical data: "In 1945, Grand Rapids was 1st city to add fluoride to their water. There was a 60% reduction in cavities," and said she opposed any regulatory move that would reduce fluoride levels. Dr. Ernst also emphasized children's welfare and access to dental care, noting the county has "very few providers that will accept Medicaid," and urged: "Let's keep our fluoride in our water, and let's not go backward." The comments presented support for maintaining current fluoridation and stressed concerns about potential reductions or barriers to local water systems' ability to continue fluoridation.
