3 things you missed in government this week
Fluoride supplements, House of Delegates elections, new ADA president
“Three Things You Missed in Government This Week” is designed to offer a way to stay informed on the topics of the week. These updates are meant to offer brief details on legislative or regulatory topics to keep dentists engaged and up to date. To explore the ADA’s latest advocacy efforts, more information is available at ADA.org/Advocacy.
1. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Oct. 31 that it plans to restrict the sale of unapproved ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children. The FDA shared its intention to take enforcement action “against those marketing unapproved fluoride-containing ingestible drugs labeled for use in children under age 3 or older children at low or moderate risk for tooth decay.” The ADA has reaffirmed its long-standing support for appropriate fluoride use as a proven tool to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth.
2. Richard J. Rosato, D.M.D., of Concord, New Hampshire, assumed office as the 162nd ADA president at the close of the House of Delegates meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 28. He detailed the struggles of the ADA over the past year and the challenges the Association has faced from the outside: workforce, technology, artificial intelligence and a changing health care landscape. To work to overcome these challenges, Dr. Rosato presented the pillars of his presidency.
3. Thomas M. Paumier, D.D.S., from Canton, Ohio, was voted president-elect Oct. 27 by the ADA House of Delegates. Dr. Paumier served as president of the Ohio Dental Association; chair of the Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs; and has served on the ADA Strategic Forecasting Committee. Ben Youel, D.D.S., of Grayslake, Illinois, was elected second vice president, and Debra Schmit Peters, D.D.S., of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was elected speaker of the ADA House of Delegates.
