Question

Dr. Monica Brinkly, dentist and spokesperson for Clean N' Shiny toothpaste, thinks people should brush their teeth more frequently. "Really, brushing only twice a day is not enough to keep our teeth and gums healthy. People should brush and floss after each meal and snack in order for their teeth to stay clean and shiny."

Brinkly, Monica. "How to Keep Teeth Clean and Shiny." Dental Associates of America Annual Conference, 17 May 2015, The Conference Center, Orlando, FL. Breakout session speech.



Is this source credible or not credible, and why or why not?

Answer 1

The source is credible because she is an expert in her field. Also, that credibility is supported by the citing of when and where that statement was made.
While she is a spokes person for Clean N’ Shiny toothpaste, and brushing more frequently would cause more use of toothpaste, she does not say that brushing with only Clean N’ Shiny will keep your teeth and gums healthy. The doctor speaks in broad terms on the subject and does not mention the product she endorses.
This furthers her credibility, because if she did push the toothpaste one could argue that she is just promoting the product and not dental hygiene itself.