When Jimmy Carter Signed for Smiles:
The Legacy of Georgia’s Fluoridation Bill
A simple desk stands in the GDA offi ce with a remarkable story. On that desk, then-Governor Jimmy Carter signed the bill making water fl uoridation law in Georgia. This milestone marked a turning point in our state’s oral health. The letter that follows, shared by a longtime GDA member, Dr. Hal Raper, Jr., refl ects on the history of that desk and the legacy it represents as we continue advocating for science-based public health policies.
Dear Kristen, As I remember Jimmy Carter, I thought I would write up the history of the historic desk owned by the GDA and signed by him. It happened this way:
Back in about 1970 my wonderful
partner and mentor, Dr Harold Lanier, and I decided to redo our offi ce. We asked his dear wife Pat, who had a real talent for decorating, for help. For our new reception room, she selected a handsome traditional style desk which was perfect, and many patients used it. In 1974, Harold was general
chairman of the Hinman meeting, the date of which coincided with passage of House Bill 53 authorizing statewide fl uoridation. T is piece of legislation was introduced by State Representative John Savage DDS and supported by the GDA with the help of many others. It was time for Governor Jimmy Carter to sign it into law. Some of us were talking and Harold said, “Let’s see if he’ll sign it at the Hinman.” John Savege agreed and asked the Governor to come to the Marriott on opening day of Hinman to sign the bill and he said, “Sure.” In preparation for the event Harold
asked the Marriott what they could set up; they answered they would set a table with white cloth or colored if we wanted. It was then Harold had a stroke of genius – he said, “Go out to our offi ce and get that pretty desk.” T is they did and it was just what we needed.
T e opening ceremony was special since the Governor was there. He made a short speech with one thing I remember. He said, “Most groups come to the capitol to lobby for their own interests. You, however, lobbied and worked for the public good. You are a Benevolent Lobby; you have my great admiration; thank you.” Present for this occasion were:
Governor Carter; Representative Clayton Brown, Chairman of the House Health and Ecology committee; Representative John Savage, DDS; Lou Saporito, DDS, president of the ADA; Charles Smith, DDS, GDA president; Harold Lanier, DDS, Hinman general chairman; and members of the GDA Legislative Committee. Governor Carter then signed the bill
making fl uoridation statewide. When he was done l said, “Governor, would you sign the desk?” He looked up and said, “What do you mean; where?” I reached down and pulled out the drawer and said, “Right here.” He gave that big Carter smile and said, “Sure,” and signed the drawer. He wrote “Jimmy Carted signed House Bill 53 and the date.”
The desk went back to our offi ce
and years later we both decided that the GDA should have it. I am glad to see it displayed as a treasure for everyone.
Sincerely Yours, Hal S. Raper, Jr., DDS
Sept 2025 | 37
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