BANGOR -- The Bangor pediatric dentist and public health advocate who spearheaded a successful campaign to ban smoking in vehicles when children are present now wants to prohibit the use of food stamps to buy soda.

Jonathan Shenkin, president-elect of the Maine Dental Association, wants Maine to add soda to the list of items that cannot be purchased with food stamp dollars.

If the federal government grants a waiver, Maine would become the first state to impose the restriction.

Shenkin says soda is a major contributor to tooth decay and obesity. The American Dental Association last month endorsed a resolution in support of a ban on the use of food stamps to buy soda and other sugary drinks.

The smoking ban ordinance that Shenkin championed has since been expanded into a state law.