Who knew? What was once arguably the most benign, and successful public health measure of the 20th century has now come under scrutiny and skepticism. Throughout our state and indeed the nation, people are raising concerns about potential health risks associated with water fluoridation. While there have always been those who turn a cautious or conspiratorial eye towards socialized anything, the 21st century has without a doubt been marked by an increased skepticism in this regard. Perhaps this is a result of the greater access and availability of (dis)information that the internet makes possible, perhaps of the growing (uncomfortable) realization that neither government nor doctors nor scientists are perfect. But I’ve got to say that this one really surprised me. (more…)