Shuhei Kaneko

Biography

Shuhei Kaneko is a Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before joining UCSB, he earned his B.A. and M.A. in Economics from Waseda University in Tokyo.

His research lies at the intersection of health economics, labor economics, and applied econometrics, with a focus on how early-life conditions and healthcare environments shape human capital and inequality across the life course.

Job Market Paper Title

"Beyond Cavities: The Effects of Low-Level Fluoride Exposure in Childhood on Dental Health, Cognitive Ability, and Self-Esteem"

Abstract

While the effects of fluoride in drinking water on dental health and human capital remain central to public health debates, most existing evidence focuses on high dosages from artificial fluoridation. We estimate the causal impacts of childhood exposure to much lower fluoride levels, exploiting quasi-exogenous variation in naturally occurring concentrations shaped by regional geology in Japan. Combining this variation with longitudinal survey data, nationally representative medical claims, and patient surveys, we provide comprehensive evidence on fluoride’s benefits. Even at low concentrations, fluoride substantially improves dental health in childhood and adolescence, with particularly strong effects for girls and children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. In contrast to concerns raised by studies of higher exposures, we find no adverse effects on cognitive performance or educational attainment. Importantly, fluoride exposure enhances self-esteem among girls, operating through improved appearance: fewer cavities reduce the likelihood of malocclusion and other visible dental issues, which are particularly salient during adolescence. These improvements in dental aesthetics foster confidence and socio-emotional skills. Our findings highlight the role of oral health in shaping non-cognitive development and underscore the broader policy relevance of fluoride exposure.

JEL Codes: I10, I12, J16, J24