© 2025 American Dental Association l 95
Fluoridation Facts
inequalities on oral health. Research has consistently shown that social and economic factors significantly
impact oral health outcomes, leading to disparities among socioeconomic groups.49,51,409–413
Research highlights the significant positive impact of water fluoridation in reducing disparities in
tooth decay, particularly benefiting low-income communities compared to their more affluent
counterparts.414,415
Furthermore, the CDC emphasizes the remarkable benefits of drinking fluoridated water, reporting
a 25% reduction in cavities for children and adults.416 Water fluoridation is the most efficient and
cost-effective method to deliver fluoride to all community members, regardless of age, income,
or education level.114,417,418
Established by the HHS, Healthy People 2030 provides an evidence-based, comprehensive set of
ambitious, achievable, 10-year national objectives for improving public health and reducing health
disparities.55 Healthy People 2030 recognizes the importance of water fluoridation in promoting oral
health and reducing disparities. Healthy People 2030 aims to increase the proportion of people whose
water systems have the recommended amount of fluoride. The target is to have 77.1% of people served
by community water systems with optimally fluoridated water to reduce oral health disparities.56
60. Along with the ADA, who supports community water fluoridation?
Answer
Many organizations, such as the National Dental Association (NDA), American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), American Public Health Association, and the World
Health Organization (WHO) also have policies that support community water fluoridation.
Fact
The ADA adopted its original resolution in support of fluoridation in 1950 and has repeatedly reaffirmed
its position publicly and in its House of Delegates based on its continuing evaluation of the safety and
effectiveness of fluoridation.3
NDA
The NDA is the largest and oldest organization of minority oral health professionals in the world.419
Representing more than 7,000 minority dentists nationally and abroad,419 the NDA seeks to provide
continued advancement of the highest quality of oral health care and safety for the public.420
In 2012, the NDA adopted the following position:420
It is therefore the position of the NDA that community water fluoridation is safe, beneficial, and
cost-effective and should be encouraged and supported under the following conditions:
• Community water supplies should contain the optimal fluoride levels as recommended
by the PHS.
• Local communities and dental societies should be in agreement with and support the
fluoridation project in their communities.
• Appropriate resource-monitoring capabilities should be available to ensure that the
appropriate water fluoride monitoring infrastructures are in place at all times in the
impacted communities.420
Fluoridation Facts
inequalities on oral health. Research has consistently shown that social and economic factors significantly
impact oral health outcomes, leading to disparities among socioeconomic groups.49,51,409–413
Research highlights the significant positive impact of water fluoridation in reducing disparities in
tooth decay, particularly benefiting low-income communities compared to their more affluent
counterparts.414,415
Furthermore, the CDC emphasizes the remarkable benefits of drinking fluoridated water, reporting
a 25% reduction in cavities for children and adults.416 Water fluoridation is the most efficient and
cost-effective method to deliver fluoride to all community members, regardless of age, income,
or education level.114,417,418
Established by the HHS, Healthy People 2030 provides an evidence-based, comprehensive set of
ambitious, achievable, 10-year national objectives for improving public health and reducing health
disparities.55 Healthy People 2030 recognizes the importance of water fluoridation in promoting oral
health and reducing disparities. Healthy People 2030 aims to increase the proportion of people whose
water systems have the recommended amount of fluoride. The target is to have 77.1% of people served
by community water systems with optimally fluoridated water to reduce oral health disparities.56
60. Along with the ADA, who supports community water fluoridation?
Answer
Many organizations, such as the National Dental Association (NDA), American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), American Public Health Association, and the World
Health Organization (WHO) also have policies that support community water fluoridation.
Fact
The ADA adopted its original resolution in support of fluoridation in 1950 and has repeatedly reaffirmed
its position publicly and in its House of Delegates based on its continuing evaluation of the safety and
effectiveness of fluoridation.3
NDA
The NDA is the largest and oldest organization of minority oral health professionals in the world.419
Representing more than 7,000 minority dentists nationally and abroad,419 the NDA seeks to provide
continued advancement of the highest quality of oral health care and safety for the public.420
In 2012, the NDA adopted the following position:420
It is therefore the position of the NDA that community water fluoridation is safe, beneficial, and
cost-effective and should be encouraged and supported under the following conditions:
• Community water supplies should contain the optimal fluoride levels as recommended
by the PHS.
• Local communities and dental societies should be in agreement with and support the
fluoridation project in their communities.
• Appropriate resource-monitoring capabilities should be available to ensure that the
appropriate water fluoride monitoring infrastructures are in place at all times in the
impacted communities.420
