ADHA Urges Utah Governor to Veto Bill Eliminating Community Water Fluoridation
CHICAGO, February 28, 2025 – The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) President Erin Haley-Hitz has submitted a letter to Utah Governor Spencer Cox urging him to veto House Bill 81, which would eliminate community water fluoridation in Utah. ADHA strongly opposes this bill as it would reverse decades of public health progress and result in increased oral health disparities, particularly among underserved populations.
The text of the letter to Governor Cox is as follows:
________________________
February 28, 2025
The Honorable Spencer Cox
Governor of Utah
Office of the Governor
North State Street
Salt Lake City, UT
Subject: Veto HB 81 and Protect Community Water Fluoridation
Dear Governor Cox,
On behalf of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®), I respectfully urge you to veto House Bill 81, which would eliminate community water fluoridation in Utah. Fluoridation is a cornerstone of public health and a proven method of oral disease prevention. ADHA, representing over 220,000 oral health professionals nationwide, strongly opposes this bill.
For over 70 years, community water fluoridation has been a safe, effective, and equitable public health measure that prevents dental caries and improves oral health for individuals of all ages. Decades of rigorous scientific research, along with endorsements from respected organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), confirm its effectiveness in significantly reducing cavities in children and adults.
Fluoridation works by strengthening tooth enamel and accelerating the natural remineralization process, making teeth more resistant to decay. Removing this proven preventive measure through HB 81 would increase the risk of dental disease, particularly among underserved populations who may have limited access to dental care.
ADHA actively advocates for community water fluoridation as an evidence-based practice that reduces oral health disparities and lowers overall dental costs for families. If passed, Utah would become the first state to ban fluoridation reversing decades of public health progress.
I urge you to protect the health of Utah residents by vetoing HB 81. Preventive measures like community water fluoridation are vital to reducing the burden of dental disease and ensuring a healthier future for all. Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your leadership and your commitment to the well-being of Utah’s communities.
Sincerely,
Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH
ADHA President 2024-2025