Oral Health
Insight on Recent Reports on Fluoride and Community Water Fluoridation
A report was released early in the year in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) that highlighted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 74 international studies on the impact of fluoride exposure, specifically on IQ. Questions were raised about the impact of this report on recommendations for products with fluoride, water fluoridation, and how to speak to parents and providers about the continued use of fluoride. Science still tells us that exposure to fluoride at the optimal level will help strengthen enamel and make it more resistant to cavities. Fluoride is safe.
The study did not review any US data, more than 2/3 of the reports were rated with high risk of bias, and the exposure amount noted was over 1.5 mg/L. The scientifically-recommended fluoride level for community water fluoridation in the U.S. is 0.7 mg/L. Regarding community water fluoridation in Idaho—with the exception of Mountain Home Air Force Base, NO public water system in the state adds fluoride. Any fluoride found in Idaho water occurs naturally.
Medical and dental providers may prescribe supplemental systemic fluoride to aid in oral health if indicated. Accessible for everyone, the best resource to determine the level of fluoride in a public water system is the CDC Website, My Water’s Fluoride, which tracks reported fluoride levels by state, by county, and by public water system. Supplements can be prescribed in liquid tablet, or lozenge form. The AAP recommends following the CDC fluoride supplemental dosage schedule. (See Table 2 in this AAP article.)
News & Updates
- Idaho Asset Building Network Webinar on Federal Budgeting, Medicaid – July 15
Join the Idaho Asset Building Network, the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, Idaho Voices for Children, and Idaho Supports Medicaid for a federal update webinar series. The next webinars are scheduled for July 15 and August 19 at noon (MT). - Idaho Rural Health Care Access and Physician Incentive Program – Applications due Aug. 30
The Rural Health Care Access and Physician Incentive Program within the Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare has announced the deadline of Aug. 30, 2025, for applications. While several grants are available for medical providers/clinics, the Rural Health Care Access Program (RHCAP) is the only fund that offers eligibility for dental programs for the upcoming grant year. The RHCAP exists to assist rural and underserved Idaho communities in providing access to primary medical and dental health care. - AIDPH Veteran Oral Health Virtual Road Tour in Idaho – Aug. 21
The IOHA is honored to host the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) presentation on advancing veteran oral health that will feature Idaho-based information. This one-hour live web session is scheduled for August 21, 2025, at noon (MT)/11:00 a.m. (PT). The Virtual Road Tour is a state-based series featuring tools, resources, data, and advocacy frameworks for improving access and outcomes for veterans. The interactive session will feature an overview of Idaho’s veteran oral health state profile along with state and national efforts currently underway to improve oral health for veterans. - CareQuest Webinar: Improving the Oral Health of Older Adults – July 10
Join CareQuest Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital on Thursday, July 10, from 5–6 p.m. MT for a webinar that will explore the importance of oral health care that supports aging and medically-complex patients in long-term care. The expert panel will identify common barriers older adults face in accessing care and highlight actionable strategies oral health teams can implement in their daily work. This webinar is eligible for 1 free CE credit. - AIDPH Federal Service Immersion Program Application Due July 17
Applications are due to the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) by July 17, for the annual in-person learning experience in Washington, D.C. to be held September 15-18, 2025. The week-long immersive learning experience explores the intersection of dental public health infrastructure, federal funding, policy, programming, and advocacy. Tentative federal and national partners includes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Indian Health Service (IHS), National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and a career pathways panel. - 2024 IOHA Annual Report (pdf)
- Delta Dental Funds Water Fountains for Healthier Smiles (pdf)
- Formal response to the NTP Report by the American Fluoridation Society (website)
- IOHA Champion for Oral Health Award Nominations Due October 1 (website)
- DentaQuest Names M. Colleen Stephenson as a 2024 Health Access Hero (website)
- Clinical Report: Oral Health Care for Children and Youth With Developmental Disabilities (website)
- HealthyChildren.org: Oral Health Care for Children With Developmental Disabilities (website)
Links & Resources
- Idaho Oral Health Alliance
We hope you will continue your support of the IOHA by joining us as a member. Annual memberships start every January, but you can join at any time. For more information or to pay your dues, visit https://www.idahooralhealth.org/membership/ - Introducing SDF into Pediatrics: Findings on Considerations for Integration and Collaboration for Patient Referrals - Webinar Slides (pdf)
- Medical Health Portal - Dental & Oral Health Screening (website)
- 2022 IOHA Annual Report (pdf)
- Release of Idaho's First Oral Health Workforce Assessment (pdf)
- Idaho Oral Health Alliance Receives Grants (website)
- CDC Initiative Creates New Water Fluoridation Technology to Support Rural Health Needs (website)
- AAP: Fluoride varnish is billable and implementable (website)
According to Pediatric News, with fluoride varnish treatments now on the Bright Futures periodicity schedule, reimbursement is attainable, and pediatricians can focus on integrating the 45- to 60-second procedure into their practices and strengthening their oral health messaging to families. - Idaho Oral Health Network Update – November 2015 (pdf)
- Healthy Me Update – November 2015 (pdf)
From the Idaho Oral Health Alliance - US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations Ages 0-5 (website)
- Schedule of Screenings & Assessments Recommended at Each Well-child Visit from Infancy through Adolescence (website)
From the American Academy of Pediatrics - Idaho Receives A Grade in PEW Dental Sealant Report (pdf)