So. Should I move to Utah? If nothing changes, there’s bound to be an increase in dental work over the next few years. In fact, about a 30% increase in dental work ($$). Research suggests there is a 26% decrease in dental decay in adult teeth (35% less in baby teeth), which can be attributed to water fluoridation (when other confounding factors are removed, such as fluoride toothpaste, fluoride dental treatments etc). See source
So will we see a rise in tooth decay in Utah? Almost certainly, but as they say, time will tell.
Tooth decay is a big deal. It results in pain, inflammation, swelling, infections which can spread systemically. It puts more burden on hospital systems, results in time off work. Not to mention it can result in significant and expensive dental treatment, ranging from simple things like fillings, all the way through to root canal, crowns, loss of teeth, dentures and implants.
This burden will be most keenly felt among lower socio-economic groups.
A 25-30% decrease in this is significant, and worth investing in.
My full blog is below.
In a groundbreaking move, Utah has become the first U.S. state to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water. Governor Spencer Cox signed the legislation on March 28, 2025, with the law set to take effect on May 7. Reuters+8AP News+8AP News+8WSJ+7Axios+7The Telegraph+7
Reasons Behind the Ban
Proponents of the ban, including Governor Cox, argue that adding fluoride to water supplies constitutes government-imposed medication, infringing on personal autonomy. They also cite the financial burden of fluoridation programs on municipalities. The TelegraphADA News+1The Telegraph+1
Public Health Concerns
The decision has sparked significant concern among health professionals. The American Dental Association (ADA) and other health organisations warn that removing fluoride could lead to an increase in dental cavities, particularly among low-income communities with limited access to dental care. Fluoride has been recognised for its role in strengthening tooth enamel and reducing cavities by approximately 25% across all age groups. Food & Wine+8The Telegraph+8Reddit+8AP News+1Cato Institute+1
National Context
Utah's move aligns with a broader national debate on water fluoridation. States like North Dakota, Tennessee, Montana, and Florida are considering similar legislation. This trend reflects growing skepticism about the benefits of fluoridation, despite its longstanding recognition as a significant public health achievement by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Wikipedia+6americandentaltherapyassociation.org+6The Telegraph+6The Telegraph+1Axios+1AP News+2Reuters+2Axios+2
What now?
As the May 7 implementation date approaches, communities in Utah and across the nation will be closely monitoring the impact of this legislation on public health. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between public health initiatives and individual autonomy in policymaking.AP News+6Axios+6The Telegraph+6
So, as a dentist, business might be great for years to come. A 30% uptick in business? Count me in! My comments are, of course, tongue-in-cheek (pardon the pun) .
Despite getting a Commerce degree and seemingly being on the path to a high-flying financial career, I did a 180-degree change and chose to study Dentistry instead. I wanted a career where I could help people every day, and I am proud to say that is what I do. But I would much rather that our training and research (including my very own Honours thesis on water fluoridation) were aligned with government policies. Utah has taken a step backwards in that regard.
