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Utah becomes first state to ban community water fluoridation

Despite best efforts from the ADA and Utah Dental Association, public water fluoridation will be banned from Utah’s public water systems, effective May 7. The legislation, signed last Thursday by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, marks the first complete, state-wide ban on fluoridation, prohibiting cities and townships from introducing fluoride into public water systems.

While similar bans were rejected in New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Tennessee, Utah’s legislation marks a potential bellwether change in states adopting anti-fluoridation measures.

According to a 2022 study by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Utah ranked 44th in the number of citizens receiving fluoridated water, with only 66 of 484 water systems opting into water fluoridation.

For more information, visit the ADA website.

Billy Tarpley

About Billy Tarpley

Serve as chief lobbyist for the dental association, which was established in 1887. Oversee all legal and regulatory matters, as well as publications, continuing dental education, conference planning and governance activities. Between 2005 and 2009, spent 4 years as Director of Development at Henderson State University (alma mater), but returned to the association in 2009.