State sealant, fluoridation programs receive grant from Delta Dental Foundation

This article was originally published here. 

Delta Dental Foundation's Executive Director Holli Seabury talks about how they're continuing to invest in SEAL! Michigan and community water fluoridation programs

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is receiving a $300,000 grant from the Delta Dental Foundation.

“This is the tenth year where we are supporting the SEAL! Michigan and the community water fluoridation programs.”

SEAL! Michigan provides sealants, dental screenings, fluoride applications and oral health education to elementary and middle school students. The grant will also help fund new and replacement equipment to community water suppliers to promote and initiate fluoridation across the state.

“We’ve been putting fluoride in water in this country since 1962 and it is really one of the most successful public health interventions that the U.S. has done.”

Grand Rapids was the first city in the country to add fluoride to its water supply. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral shown to reduce cavities in children and adults.

The nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has concerns about the amount of fluoride in the country’s water supply, decisions made at a municipal level.

“Talk to the dentists in your community and get their opinion on this. These are the professionals. These are the ones who are helping you to keep your teeth healthy and you will hear overwhelmingly from dentists that fluoride is extremely helpful in keeping your teeth healthy.”