Utah becomes first state to ban community water fluoridation

ADA expresses extreme disappointment with bill’s passage

Utah became the first state to place a complete ban on community water fluoridation.  

Gov. Spencer Cox signed House Bill 81 into law March 27, which states that a person “may not add fluoride to water in, or water that will be introduced into, a public system” and that a political subdivision “may not enact or enforce an ordinance that requires or permits the addition of fluoride to water in, or water that will be introduced into, a public water system.” 

The bill passed in the state Senate in February and is set to take effect May 7. Prior to Gov. Cox signing House Bill 81, the ADA sent a letter urging him to veto the legislation. 

“The evidence of reduced disease and cost implications provide a compelling reason to strongly consider the ramifications of ending community water fluoridation. With the weight of the evidence and nearly universal support of community water fluoridation in all corners of the health care sector, we urge your veto of [House Bill] 81,” states the letter, signed by ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D.   

In addition to sending its own letter, the ADA assisted the Utah Dental Association in deploying a Grassroots Alert asking dentists to urge Gov. Cox to veto the bill, stating it “would take away the most effective, efficient and equitable way for dental disease prevention and would be the first state in the country to ban fluoridation practices.” 

In response to Utah becoming the first state to ban fluoride, the ADA released a statement expressing disappointment in Gov. Cox’s “wanton disregard for the oral health and well-being of their constituents.” 

The statement notes that community water fluoridation has proven for 80 years to be safe and effective at reducing tooth decay and improving oral health. It goes on to cite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s estimation that providing optimally fluoridated water to U.S. communities for one year saves $6.5 billion in dental treatment costs and that communities with water fluoridation experience 25% fewer cavities.  

Dr. Kessler denounced Utah’s fluoride ban, stating that this policy “has been dismantled based on distorted pseudo-science.” 

“We urge legislators and voters across the country not to make Utah’s significant mistake, and, instead, to trust credible data and science which shows that optimally fluoridating community water is safe, effective and helps prevent dental disease,” Dr. Kessler said.