Hometown: Green Hill, Alabama 

Faculty mentor: Steven Levy, DDS, MPH, Wright-Bush-Shreves Endowed Professor of Research, Department of Preventive And Communtiy Dentistry, College of Dentistry 

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), June 2025 

In his second year of dental school, Alex Harper became interested in patients' knowledge and attitudes about fluoride, as well as their use of fluoride and tap water for the prevention of cavities. Over the next two summers, he conducted an online survey of adults in his hometown of Green Hill, Alabama, to gain insights into the associations between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning fluoride. This research fills a critical gap in the literature about the public's perceptions regarding fluoride use and community water fluoridation, especially among individuals in rural areas. After completing dental school, Harper hopes to enroll in an orthodontic residency program to learn more about changing people's smiles.