Is fluoride all it’s cracked up to be?

Aug. 22, 2023
Join Drs. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, David Rice, and Brian Novy in this episode of Dentistry Unmasked, as they peel back the layers of the controversial topic of fluoride.

This episode of Dentistry Unmasked is about things that are accepted in dentistry, but really have no foundation behind them. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Novy! 

We’ll tackle the topic of fluoride—the accepted magical compound that is supposed to cure tooth decay. 

Key takeaways

  • We, as doctors, are pushing an incentive model that has gone away from focusing on prophylaxis­, prevention.
  • We cannot be looking at convenience over literature-driven care.
  • We need to be talking to our teams about why we use fluoride, for whom we use fluoride, and when we use fluoride.
  • Fluoride is not for everyone … but in the right amounts, with the right product combinations, it’s good for many!

More episodes of Dentistry Unmasked:

Composite restorations: Is Instagram reality?

Anterior composite artistry—simplified vs. layered

About sponsored guest Dr. Brian Novy

Brian B. Nový, DDS, is the chief dental officer of the Alliance Dental Center, Massachusetts Public Employees Fund. He served as president of the National CAMBRA Coalition and is currently the consumer representative to the United States Food & Drug Administration Dental Products Panel. His awards include the American Dental Association (ADA) Adult Preventive Care Practice of the Year, the Academy of General Dentistry Weclew Award, the Dugoni Award, and the ADA Evidence-Based Dentistry Practice Award. 

[email protected]

About the Author

Brian B. Nový, DDS

Brian B. Nový, DDS, is the chief dental officer of the Alliance Dental Center, Massachusetts Public Employees Fund. He served as president of the National CAMBRA Coalition and is currently the consumer representative to the United States Food & Drug Administration Dental Products Panel. His awards include the American Dental Association (ADA) Adult Preventive Care Practice of the Year, the Academy of General Dentistry Weclew Award, the Dugoni Award, and the ADA Evidence-Based Dentistry Practice Award. 

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD | Chief Editor

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected]

About the Author

David R. Rice, DDS

David R. Rice, DDS, is founder of the nation’s largest student and new dentist community, igniteDDS. Dr. Rice travels the world speaking and connecting today’s top young dentists with tomorrow’s most successful dental practices. In addition to igniteDDS, Dr. Rice maintains a team-centered restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, New York.

Read Dr. Rice's DE Editorial Advisory Board profile here.