With over 30 years of experience in holistic and systemic dentistry, Dr. Alireza Panahpour is calling on U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prioritize public health by reassessing the long-term safety of widely used dental materials and practices. In a letter sent to the Secretary, Dr. Panahpour outlines key areas of concern, including the continued use of mercury amalgam fillings, water fluoridation policies, and conventional root canal procedures.
Dr. Panahpour, who has trained across 17 dental and biological subspecialties, and collaborated with leading holistic dental organizations, emphasizes the need for evidence-based policy discussions around oral-systemic health. “As dental materials and procedures directly interact with the human body, we must ask whether current standards reflect our best understanding of their systemic impact,” he stated.
Mercury-containing amalgam fillings remain in use despite longstanding concerns about mercury exposure. The World Health Organization has acknowledged the health risks of mercury, especially to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also identifies dental offices as a significant source of mercury waste in water systems, raising environmental as well as public health questions.
Dr. Panahpour also highlights research suggesting potential neurodevelopmental risks associated with fluoride exposure in early childhood. A 2012 meta-analysis published in Environmental Health Perspectives (Choi et al.) observed a possible link between high fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children. While public water fluoridation continues to be endorsed by many dental and health authorities for its role in reducing tooth decay, Dr. Panahpour encourages balanced, ongoing evaluation of such programs in light of emerging research.
Another area of concern is the long-term health implications of root canal-treated teeth and unresolved dental cavitations. While these procedures are common and often effective, studies have documented the presence of microbes in root canal-treated teeth (Siqueira & Rôças, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005), prompting calls for more research into possible systemic effects.
Dr. Panahpour advocates for biomimetic and biologically compatible materials and approaches, which aim to support natural healing and reduce potential systemic burden. He believes that interdisciplinary collaboration and updated research are key to evolving dentistry into a more integrative healthcare field.
In his message to Secretary Kennedy, Dr. Panahpour urges three main actions: expanded research into dental materials, updated safety regulations, and greater support for holistic dental education and practice. “This is an opportunity to align dental care with the broader goals of public and environmental health,” he wrote.
Dr. Panahpour invites dialogue and collaboration with health leaders to advance safer, patient-centered dental practices nationwide.
Learn more about Dr. Alireza Panahpour, visit his official website.
