2026 State Legislative Season & Fluoridation
Most state legislative sessions have ended for this year, and the outcome is positive for public health and prevention. In 23 states, bills were filed to ban community water fluoridation or restrict access to it. Yet none of those measures were approved, largely because pediatricians, dental professionals and many others educated their state legislators.
After Florida and Utah passed bans on water fluoridation, public health leaders and child health advocates were concerned that other states might follow suit. However, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health closely monitors legislative activity and reports that no other states have passed bans or restrictions. CareQuest Institute’s map reveals the states in which there was legislative activity — positive or negative — related to fluoridation.
Health providers who wish to educate their patients and communities should be aware of helpful tools and resources that are accessible online:
- CareQuest Institute has produced Fluoride: Questions Parents Ask, which answers dozens of questions that are often asked by parents and caregivers.
- AAP’s Campaign for Dental Health has many resources that cover the benefits, safety and cost-savings of water fluoridation. Visit our home page and scroll down to the “Explore the Claims” section.
- CareQuest Institute prepared a report in 2026 examining how state bans on water fluoridation would affect children and Medicaid costs.
- AAP’s Campaign for Dental Health has an Act Now page where fluoridation advocates can request AAP assistance for their state/local advocacy efforts.
- The American Dental Association’s Fluoridation Facts is the most comprehensive and carefully researched resource on water fluoridation. Gain free access to the e-book version.
