Fluoride Bans Begin in Utah and Florida — Will Other States Follow?
Utah made history on May 7, 2025, becoming the first state in the nation to ban fluoride in public drinking water supplies. This significant public health policy shift will affect approximately 1.6 million residents in Salt Lake City and northern Utah who previously received fluoridated water.
Florida soon followed suit, with legislation (SB 700) signed into law by Governor De Santis on May 7, 2025. Meanwhile, Ohio and South Carolina legislatures are considering similar measures.
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Utah's ban was signed into law by Republican Governor Spencer Cox on March 27, 2025, contrary to recommendations from dental professionals and national health organizations. Before the ban, Utah already ranked 44th nationally for the percentage of residents receiving fluoridated water, with only about 40% of residents having access to it in 2022.
The primary argument behind Utah's ban, as presented by the bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Stephanie Gricius, centers on consent rather than questions about fluoride's effectiveness. She acknowledged fluoride's benefits but argued that government shouldn't administer it without informed consent. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has supported Utah's decision and plans to direct the CDC to stop recommending fluoridation nationwide.
Dental health experts have voiced serious concerns about these bans. Many dentists are preparing for an increase in tooth decay, particularly among children and patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may not have regular access to dental care.
For nurses and healthcare providers, these policy changes create new opportunities for patient education and care. The Utah law now allows pharmacists to prescribe fluoride supplements, in addition to dentists and doctors. Many insurance providers cover these supplements, and Utah Medicaid will cover supplements for children up to 16 years old.
As more states consider similar legislation, nurses nationwide may need to prepare for changing public health approaches to dental care and fluoride access. This includes developing strategies to identify at-risk patients, providing targeted education about oral health practices, and connecting patients with resources for fluoride supplements when appropriate.
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