In brief: Utah bans fluoride, Young Innovations debuts new SDF product, new state joins DDH licensing compact

ADA opposes Utah's decision on fluoride

A long-awaited decision on House Bill 81 makes Utah's statewide ban of fluoride the first in the country. This decision has been met with disapproval in the public health community, with many claiming that safe levels of community water fluoridation has proven effective in reducing caries and tooth decay in the population for over 80 years.¹

As a result, the future of both public health and the cost of dental treatment may take a turn for the worst; according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), access to optimally fluoridated water for one year "saves $6.5 billion in dental treatment costs and offers a return on investment of $20 for every $1 spent on water fluoridation. On average, communities with water fluoridation experience 25% fewer cavities, saving $32 per person annually by avoiding dental treatment costs and leading to fewer missed work and school days."¹

Harkening back to Juneau's decision to cease water fluoridation in 2007, the direct negative effects may be a harbinger of what's to come in Utah. Since Alaska is not situated near fluoridated water sources, costs for caries-related procedures and treatment for all age groups, particularly children, increased. Costs for low-income families also increased during that time.

Many dental health officials, ADA president Brett Kessler is severely disappointed with Govener Cox's decision. He said: "The most common chronic childhood disease is cavities. We know that when community water fluoridation stops, it's the children and the most vulnerable of our communities who suffer. We urge legislators and voters across the country not to make Utah's significant mistake, and, instead, to trust credible data and science which shows that optimally fluoridating community water is safe, effective and helps prevent dental disease."¹

New ClearDefense Silver Fluoride solution

Young Innovations recently debuted their revolutionary new ClearDefense Silver Fluoride solution, which is designed to reduce the risk of tooth discoloration and alleviate sensitivity by occluding dentin tubules. Made with only 0.2% nanosilver, this product is gluten-free, contains no ammonia, has a minimal odor, and can be applied without irritating the patient.²

John Frymark, vice president of US direct, marketing, and analytics at Young Specialties (the parent company of Young Innovations), believes ClearDefense Silver Fluoride is paving the way for improved patient care due to its ease of use and simple, one-step application process. In a recent press release, he stated that " ClearDefense ... enhances both patient comfort and clinical outcomes. We are thrilled to bring this innovation forward and continue driving meaningful progress across the oral healthcare industry."²

Arkansas is the newest state to join licensure compact board

On March 25, Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee signed a bill that allowed the state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) compact. This compact has already been signed by 10 other states and is pending in an additional 15.³

The DDH aims to expand portable licensure for dentists and hygienists across state lines, with those residing in compact member states having the option to apply for "compact privilege" to practice in other compact member states. This way, dentists and hygienists do not need state-specific licenses to practice and can therefore reduce barriers to license portability.³

In order to be eligible for this privilege, oral healthcare providers must graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, successfully complete a clinical assessment for licensure, pass the National Board Examination of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (or another acceptable licensure examination), among other requirements.³

You can learn more about the DDH compact here.

Resources

1. ADA Media Relations. Community water fluoridation prevents painful dental disease. American Dental Association. March 28, 2025. https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/community-water-fluoridation-prevents-painful-dental-disease#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20communities%20with%20water,people%20money%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Dr.

2. Introducing Young ClearDefense Silver Fluoride-a breakthrough in sensitivity protection from Young® specialties. PR Newswire. April 1, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-young-cleardefense-silver-fluoride--a-breakthrough-in-sensitivity-protection-from-young-specialties-302417121.html

3. Cortigiano C. Arkansas joins interstate compact: 5 things to know. Becker's Dental. March 26, 2025. https://www.beckersdental.com/staffing-issues/arkansas-joins-interstate-compact-5-things-to-know/