“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 H.B. 81,” reads the letter.
Specifically, House Bill 81 would “define terms, prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems, allow a pharmacist to prescribe fluoride, and direct the [Utah] Division of Professional Licensing to establish guidelines for prescribing fluoride.”
The bill passed the House and Senate and now heads to Gov. Cox for final approval. 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.”
“House Bill 81 would adopt public policy that is in complete opposition to effectively decreasing dental decay and strengthening teeth enamel. Gov. Cox can still oppose this legislation with your support,” reads the alert. “Please take action and email Gov. Cox today about his need to protect his constituents’ health and oppose the bill today.”
Scott Tomar, D.M.D., Dr.P.H., associate dean of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, said the bill would hurt both residents’ health and wallets.
