Views Expressed Do Not Represent FDA

Dr. Fleming is the current Consumer Representative on the Dental Products Panel of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accordingly, he receives many inquiries regarding his opinion on such issues as water fluoridation, dental filling materials, root canals and other important matters affecting the health and well being of Americans.

It is important to understand Dr. Fleming’s statements about these issues are his personal opinions only but reflect many years of scientific study and involvement in a number of different public venues. They do not represent the views held by the FDA or any other regulatory body.

Dr. Fleming’s position as the Consumer Representative does require him to interface on a regular basis with any and all interested stakeholders with respect to dental products and devices. These groups include health professionals, consumer and environmental advocacy groups, licensing boards, attorneys, news media outlets, industry, investment firms, trade and professional organizations, and federal, state and local government.

Another part of Dr. Fleming’s responsibility is to engage the consumer public through various venues and offer help in understanding the complex process by which the FDA regulates products and devices. One of his chief obligations in this regard is to engage and inform the public on methods that effectively communicate their concerns to the FDA.

Advisory Panels do not regulate but only advise the FDA on matters related to the reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Dr. Fleming’s specific role on the Products Panel is to bring the concerns of consumers to the FDA giving them a voice in a regulatory process that can directly impact their health care. Moreover, owing to his role as a Consumer Representative, he can also participate in meetings on other advisory panels within the FDA. For example, he has served on the Circulatory Devices Panel that advises on matters related to devices implanted within the heart and blood vessels. Further information about Advisory Panels and their functions can be found at www.fda.gov.

Dr. Fleming’s challenge to consumers of dental and medical services is to become a “conscious” consumer. That is, patients need to be proactive in their own health care choices and be vigilant and knowledgeable about the services and products offered in today’s competitive and rapidly changing environment.