Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed by the Senate as the next HHS secretary Feb. 13 with a final vote of 52-48, according to a Feb. 13 news release from the American Dental Association.
Here are five notes on Mr. Kennedy's appointment and potential impacts on the dental industry:
1. In a statement, the ADA said it is ready to work with Mr. Kennedy and HSS leadership to improve oral and dental health across the U.S.
2. The ADA is committed to continuing to promote evidence-based policymaking when it comes to dentistry and oral health.
3. The organization supports collaboration between dentists and other healthcare providers to help identify systemic diseases that could be linked to a patient's oral health.
4. The ADA is in support of Mr. Kennedy's push for nutritional changes, with the association noting the connections between oral health and the number of systemic diseases.
5. Before the election Mr. Kennedy said that the Trump administration would aim to remove fluoride from public water sources, however the administration has not confirmed that it is a policy priority.