On the Cusp with Dr. Brett Gilbert12 Jun 2025

Protecting Smiles: ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler on Water Fluoridation, Dental Insurance, and Clinician Burnout

What happens when science meets controversy at the intersection of dental health and public policy? In this episode of "On The Cusp," host Dr. Brett Gilbert sits down with Dr. Brett Kessler, the sitting president of the American Dental Association, for a timely conversation about the hot-button issue of water fluoridation, insurance reform, workforce challenges, and the mental well-being of dental professionals.

Packed with real talk and up-to-the-minute insights, this episode breaks down the misconceptions and critical data surrounding fluoride in our water, the ongoing push for meaningful insurance reform, the realities of access to care, and how organized dentistry is advocating for clinicians and patients alike.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

The critical importance of evidence-based science in the water fluoridation debate, and how organized dentistry is responding to political and public scrutiny.
The far-reaching impact of removing community water fluoridation, especially on the most vulnerable populations, as seen in real-world case studies like Calgary and Buffalo.
Dental insurance reform remains a top concern, with efforts underway to address inadequate reimbursement, plan design, and regulatory challenges to ensure patients receive optimal care.
Innovative strategies to address dental workforce shortages, including new roles like oral preventive assistants, fast-tracking internationally trained dentists, and expanding access to care.
Prioritizing dentist well-being and combating burnout, with new ADA resources like Talkspace Go and leadership development programs, as well as candid discussion about destigmatizing mental health struggles within the profession.

Tune in to discover how Dr. Kessler, Dr. Gilbert, and the ADA are confronting today’s dental challenges with science, compassion, and creativity—and be inspired to join the movement for organized dentistry, personal well-being, and unified advocacy. If you’re a dental professional or student, take this as your call to action: engage, get involved, and support your community, because oral health is health.

Follow Dr. Brett Kessler’s journey:

Instagram
Website
ADA Campaign Statement
ADA Speech

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you’re listening. Connect with Dr. Brett Gilbert on Instagram, LinkedIn or email him at drbrettgilbert@accessendo.org

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