96 l © 2025 American Dental Association
Section 4: Public Policy
AAP
As part of its core values,421 the AAP is committed to promoting optimal health and well-being
for every child. The AAP states, “Tooth decay, which is almost completely preventable, is the most
common chronic condition experienced by children, disproportionately affecting families with low
incomes and those in historically underserved communities…Water fluoridation is an equitable and
inexpensive way to ensure that prevention of dental disease reaches everyone in a community.”422
The AAP actively promotes community water fluoridation through its policies, advocacy initiatives,
and educational programs.422 As a trusted resource for healthcare providers and families, the AAP
supports informed decision-making and encourages community engagement with water fluoridation
efforts.6 Their comprehensive, evidence-based materials are tailored to educate both professionals
and the general public, encompassing scientific research, clinical guidelines, caregiver-oriented tools,
and advocacy materials, all aimed at advancing equitable access to oral health care.422
AMA
The AMA’s mission is to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public
health.423 Its House of Delegates first endorsed fluoridation in 1951424 and the AMA reaffirmed
its support for water fluoridation in 2011.5
APHA
The APHA champions the health of all people and communities and speaks out for public health issues
and policies backed by science.425 It has supported community water fluoridation as a safe and effective
public health measure for the prevention of tooth decay since 1950.426 The APHA reaffirmed its support
in 2008 by stating that it strongly endorses and recommends “the fluoridation of all community water
systems as a safe and effective public health measure for the prevention of tooth decay.”262
WHO
The goal at the WHO is to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world.427 The WHO,
which initially adopted policy recommending the practice of water fluoridation in 1969,428 reaffirmed
its support for fluoridation in 1994,429 stating:
Providing that a community has a piped water supply, water fluoridation is the most
effective method of reaching the whole population, so that all social classes benefit
without the need for active participation on the part of individuals.429
In 2004, the WHO once again affirmed its support, stating that “Water fluoridation, where technically
feasible and culturally acceptable, has substantial public health benefits.”430
In 2007, the 60th World Health Assembly adopted WHA60.17-Oral health action plan for promotion
and integrated disease prevention,431 which urges member states:
(4) for those countries without access to optimal levels of fluoride, and which have not yet
established systematic fluoridation programs, to consider the development and implementation
of fluoridation programs, giving priority to equitable strategies such as the automatic
administration of fluoride, for example, in drinking water, salt, or milk, and to the provision
of affordable fluoride toothpaste431
Section 4: Public Policy
AAP
As part of its core values,421 the AAP is committed to promoting optimal health and well-being
for every child. The AAP states, “Tooth decay, which is almost completely preventable, is the most
common chronic condition experienced by children, disproportionately affecting families with low
incomes and those in historically underserved communities…Water fluoridation is an equitable and
inexpensive way to ensure that prevention of dental disease reaches everyone in a community.”422
The AAP actively promotes community water fluoridation through its policies, advocacy initiatives,
and educational programs.422 As a trusted resource for healthcare providers and families, the AAP
supports informed decision-making and encourages community engagement with water fluoridation
efforts.6 Their comprehensive, evidence-based materials are tailored to educate both professionals
and the general public, encompassing scientific research, clinical guidelines, caregiver-oriented tools,
and advocacy materials, all aimed at advancing equitable access to oral health care.422
AMA
The AMA’s mission is to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public
health.423 Its House of Delegates first endorsed fluoridation in 1951424 and the AMA reaffirmed
its support for water fluoridation in 2011.5
APHA
The APHA champions the health of all people and communities and speaks out for public health issues
and policies backed by science.425 It has supported community water fluoridation as a safe and effective
public health measure for the prevention of tooth decay since 1950.426 The APHA reaffirmed its support
in 2008 by stating that it strongly endorses and recommends “the fluoridation of all community water
systems as a safe and effective public health measure for the prevention of tooth decay.”262
WHO
The goal at the WHO is to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world.427 The WHO,
which initially adopted policy recommending the practice of water fluoridation in 1969,428 reaffirmed
its support for fluoridation in 1994,429 stating:
Providing that a community has a piped water supply, water fluoridation is the most
effective method of reaching the whole population, so that all social classes benefit
without the need for active participation on the part of individuals.429
In 2004, the WHO once again affirmed its support, stating that “Water fluoridation, where technically
feasible and culturally acceptable, has substantial public health benefits.”430
In 2007, the 60th World Health Assembly adopted WHA60.17-Oral health action plan for promotion
and integrated disease prevention,431 which urges member states:
(4) for those countries without access to optimal levels of fluoride, and which have not yet
established systematic fluoridation programs, to consider the development and implementation
of fluoridation programs, giving priority to equitable strategies such as the automatic
administration of fluoride, for example, in drinking water, salt, or milk, and to the provision
of affordable fluoride toothpaste431
