Community Water Fluoridation Update

As many of you know, community water fluoridation has been a reoccurring topic of late. The governor of Utah recently signed a law prohibiting the addition of fluoride into public water systems. Many states are considering similar legislation. Currently, Ohio has HB 182 which states, “No public water system shall add fluoride to the water supplied by the system.” This bill is proposed by Rep. Levi Dean (R-Xenia) and cosponsored by Reps. Jennifer Gross, Mark Johnson, Beth Lear and Josh Williams. 

The CDC estimates fluoridated water systems save approximately $6.5 billion per year nationally in oral health care and has reduced the caries rate by 25% in fluoridated communities.  Depending on the size of the community served, the cost of treating a water system can be as little as $0.50 per person per year. That is a substantial return on investment.

So, what can you do to help? Review talking points from the ADA, the ODH and the AAPD to discuss with your patients and the general public the importance of fluoridated water.

Contact your state Representative and Senator to voice your professional opinion. 

Attend the ODA Day at the State House on May 7, 2025 in Columbus. 

Contribute to ODPAC to help the ODA lobbyists fight for causes that benefit dentists and the patients we serve. 

We are the experts in oral health care and the outcome of this battle will have a significant and long-lasting impact on the public’s health.