In brief: RFK Jr.’s health policies challenged, AAE’s opposition to medical research grant cap, new Align Technology and Parkell release

ADA's health policy issues addressed in letter to RFK Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health policies have recently been challenged by the American Dental Association (ADA). In a letter sent on March 5, ADA president Brett Kessler and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Shapiro expressed their support for community water fluoridation, among other things.

RFK Jr., secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has been outspoken about what he believes to be dangerous side effects of fluoridation in drinking water. However, the ADA noted that they anticipate "collaborating with the Department of Health and Human Services to address concerns, evaluate emerging research, and ensure that public health decisions related to fluoridation uphold the principles of evidence-based policymaking and transparency."¹

Other issues addressed in the ADA's letter include:

1. The expansion of Medicaid adult dental coverage

1. The independence of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

1. The need for CDT codes to have parity with other standard procedure terminologies

1. Concern over Health and Human Services' decision to rescind the Richardson Waiver, which ensured public participation in rulemaking processes for over five decades¹

You can read more about the policies and decisions challenged here.

The AAE opposes NIH's cap for medical research grants

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) opposes the National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s decision to cap indirect costs for medical research grants at 15%, claiming this policy hinders vital research efforts, particularly those related to oral health.²

AAE president Natasha Flake strongly urges the NIH to reconsider this decision, stating in a letter to the NIH and HHS that: "these funds are essential for sustaining research infrastructure, including support staff, facilities, and operational expenses. Without them, universities and institutions will struggle to maintain critical research programs, ultimately jeopardizing patient care and scientific progress."²

If this policy is not rescinded, Dr. Flake believes new treatments and breakthroughs in oral care may never come to fruition, as many researchers will be forced to abandon their studies due to inadequate funding.

Align Technology adds restorative capabilities to intraoral scanner

Align Technology recently announced their newest generation of the iTero Lumina intraoral scanner (without iTero Near Infra-Red Imaging (NIRI) technology) will include cutting-edge restorative capabilities, designed to produce optimal outcomes for both simple and challenging restorative cases.³

Initially launched in February 2024, this new scanner can deliver faster scanning speeds, higher levels of accuracy, superior visualization, and a more comfortable scanning experience.

Align also announced the iTero Lumina Pro dental imaging system (with iTero NIRI technology). According to their press release, this dental imaging system will be able to "enable efficient restorative and multidisciplinary ortho-restorative workflows and support diagnostic of interproximal caries above the gingiva, helping GP dentists reach new levels of practice efficiency and growth while delivering exceptional clinical outcomes."³

Parkell's new waterline purification system

Parkell has released its new waterline purification system. The PureClarity Waterline Purification System makes water from any source EPA-compliant (<500 CFU/ml) for up to six months through a biopharmaceutical-grade microporous membrane designed to block harmful bacteria and pathogens. This sets it apart from traditional DUWLs, which typically rely on iodine or silver ions for this process.⁴

Parkell's PureClarity is chemical-free, easy to install, seamlessly fits into tight spaces, and reduces the need for frequent shock treatments.

In a press release, David Mott, president of Parkell, said: ""To date, one of the major problems with DUWL compliance is that it's perceived as being complex or cumbersome, and with a high cost of entry," says David Mott. "With the PureClarity Waterline Purification System1, dental offices of any size attempting to get into better DUWL compliance will have a simple and powerful new tool."⁴

References

1. Anderson O. ADA highlights health policy issues in letter to RFK Jr. ADA News. March 6, 2025. https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2025/march/ada-highlights-health-policy-issues-in-letter-to-rfk-jr/

2. AAE opposes NIH cap on indirect costs for medical research grants. American Association of Endodontists. March 10, 2025.

3. Align Technology announces availability of restorative capabilities on its next generation iTero Lumina intraoral scanner and new iTero Lumina pro dental imaging system. Align Technology. March 6, 2025. https://investor.aligntech.com/news-releases/news-release-details/align-technology-announces-availability-restorative-capabilities

4. Parkell introduces new PureClarity Waterline Purification System. Parkell. March 10, 2025.