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
- Dental Health (CDH) website, ILikeMyTeeth.org UPDATED!
Dental Health (CDH) website, ILikeMyTeeth.org. Drawing on insights from national opinion research, the refreshed homepage leads with the question Is fluoride safe? and answers with the most resonant, persuasive facts before directly addressing misinformation, all above the fold. For added authority, the updated design places the AAP and CDH logos side by side. This launch also introduces a new feature: the Advocacy Support Request Portal, an accessible, FOIA-free form advocates can use to request AAP support for community water fluoridation* and other oral health advocacy needs. You can find the portal under the new icons for the most debated topics by scrolling to Amplify Your Advocacy or access it directly from the Act Now page. - Delta Dental of Idaho: Oral Health Grant Application Opens October 1
Delta Dental of Idaho is seeking submissions from throughout Idaho for the Fall 2026 cycle of their Oral Health Grant Program. Grants may be awarded in amounts between $5,000 to $25,000 for capacity building, capital and equipment, and special projects focused on improving dental infrastructure and workforce capacity in Idaho; improving access to affordable, timely, and high-quality dental health care; and reducing oral disease through education, prevention, and treatment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities or government entities and their instrumentalities who serve individuals in the state of Idaho. The online application opens October 1, 2026, and closes October 20, 2026. Decisions will be made in early December. - IOHA Regional In-Person Childcare Provider Education Scheduled This Fall
The IOHA will travel the state this fall offering free in-person oral health education for childcare providers, Head Start teachers, and Parents-as-Teachers and Nurse Family Partners program participants. Six regional trainings will provide guidance on introducing oral health concepts and tips for classroom and parent engagement. Trainings are a part of the IOHA Healthy Me is Cavity-Free initiative that addresses the issue of early childhood caries. Partners include the Idaho Oral Health Program, IdahoSTARS, MCNA, Delta Dental of Idaho, and Head Start. Classes held in Twin Falls (Sept. 29); Pocatello (Sept. 30); Coeur d’Alene (Oct. 28); Lewiston (Oct. 29); Caldwell (Nov. 4); Boise (Nov. 18). - IOHA Champion for Oral Health Award Nominations Due October 1
Created in 2023, this IOHA award recognizes oral health champions (individuals or organizations/companies) who support the mission and vision of the Idaho Oral Health Alliance. Nominations must be received by October 1. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to improving the oral health of others through monetary means, by volunteering personal time, or by leading activity that is in line with the vision and mission of the IOHA. Criteria and the required nomination form can be found here. - Special Olympics Pocatello Recap
On Aug. 29, dental and non-dental volunteers supported the Special Olympics softball event in Pocatello. Twenty participants received fluoride varnish, 18 received mouthguards, and 48 athletes were screened. Congratulations to the athletes and the oral health volunteers led by Special Care Dentists of Idaho. - 2025 Annual Report for the Idaho Oral Health Improvement Plan Released
The IOHA has released the 2025 Annual Report for the 2021-2026 Idaho Oral Health Improvement Plan. The plan serves as a roadmap for the strategic vision for the improvement of oral health for all who live within the borders of Idaho, and was created with input from a 50-member work group. It outlines a common agenda with shared measures designed to foster statewide improvement in three priority areas: Prevention, Access, and Policy and Infrastructure. It encourages individuals, organizations, educators, policymakers, private practitioners, and public health professionals to collaboratively undertake activities to create a better, healthier, and more equitable oral healthcare model that will improve the lives of our citizens. - Resource for New Medicaid Work Requirements
The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare has updated a section of its website with new guidance for work requirements and who will be impacted. Changes take effect on January 1, 2027, so now is the time to help Medicaid members understand the new expectations. In general to qualify for Medicaid Expansion, applicants must show they earned $580 or have 80 hours of qualifying activities in each month for three months before applying.
Links & Resources
- IOHA Quarterly Oral Health Article May 2026 (docx)
- Fluoride is a Powerful Tool for Preventing Tooth Decay (website)
- Fluoride for Children: Parent FAQs (website)
- Good Oral Health Starts Early: AAP Policy Explained (website)
- 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)