The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has expressed strong opposition to recent calls for removing fluoride from community water systems in the United States. The statement comes as federal officials reconsider fluoridation policies, with the ADHA reaffirming its stance that community water fluoridation is a vital public health measure that benefits people of all ages and income levels.
“Decades of research back the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation at recommended levels,” said ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS. “Removing fluoride from drinking water poses a significant risk to public health. The evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of fluoride is robust, and the potential consequences of increased dental decay and related health issues are alarming.”
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by approximately 25% in both children and adults. This affordable public health measure has been in place for more than 75 years and is recognized as one of the top public health achievements of the past century.
The ADHA highlights that U.S. water systems maintain fluoride levels at 0.7 mg/L, which is significantly lower than the concentrations cited in studies that fluoride opponents often reference. Concerns about fluoride typically arise from research conducted in regions with naturally occurring fluoride levels much higher than those used in community water fluoridation programs.
The association also points to the financial impact of removing fluoride. Without it, the cost of treating preventable cavities could further strain family budgets and overburden already stretched healthcare systems.
This position aligns with the ADHA’s official statement issued in December 2024, which emphasized the association’s “strong support of community water fluoridation as a safe, effective and equitable public health measure.” The ADHA has long recognized water fluoridation as an essential part of preventive dental care.
“We call upon state leaders to prioritize the well-being of their communities by maintaining fluoridation programs that have proven to be beneficial for public health,” Haley-Hitz added. “Let us work together to ensure that all individuals have access to safe and effective measures that promote optimal oral health.”
The ADHA urges policymakers to follow science-based, proven approaches to public health and encourages its members to continue educating the public about the safety and benefits of fluoride as an integral part of comprehensive oral healthcare.
For more information about community water fluoridation and the ADHA’s position, visit adha.org/fluoride.
