South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem finds herself at the center of an unexpected controversy revolving around her dental work.

Praise for a Dentist

Noem recently shared a nearly five-minute-long testimonial on social media, thanking a Texas dentist for fixing her teeth following a biking accident. She expressed gratitude for the dentist’s assistance in restoring her smile.

Silence Amidst Speculation

Since the video’s release, there has been silence from Noem’s camp and those directly involved. Requests for comments from Business Insider and local reporters have gone unanswered. Furthermore, Smile Texas, the dental clinic Noem credited, declined to comment due to health privacy laws.

Lingering Questions

Despite attempts to move on, questions remain unanswered. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) could potentially investigate the situation, particularly regarding the disclosure of any financial arrangements between Noem and the dental clinic. Failure to disclose such arrangements could lead to fines by the FTC.

Legal Action and Ethical Concerns

Travelers United, an advocacy group, has filed a lawsuit against Noem, alleging that she acted as a travel influencer without disclosing potential benefits received. Additionally, a South Dakota state senator, Reynold Nesiba, has called for an ethics probe into the matter, though he remains skeptical about its likelihood of success given the political landscape.

Political Ambitions and Public Perception

Noem’s attempt to raise her national profile, evidenced by her use of COVID-19 funds for an ad campaign and speculation about her potential role as a running mate for former President Donald Trump, adds a political dimension to the controversy. Her performance at conservative events like CPAC has also contributed to her visibility.