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
- Thanks to IDF for Grant
The IOHA thanks the Idaho Dental Foundation for a grant that will help provide educational materials for childcare programs across the state. Funds will be used to print English and Spanish versions of the 150+ page curriculum guides that help childcare providers educate kiddos and parents on the importance of oral health. Guides will be distributed at regional in-person workshops held in the fall. - 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. - 2026 Kids Count Data Book Released
The Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 2026 Kids Count Data Book that details how kids are doing across America. According to the data, nearly 70% of Idaho students are scoring below national proficiency levels in reading and math, and, according to Idaho Kids Covered, the Idaho child uninsured rate has increased by 60% since 2019. - Save April 29-30 for the Idaho Rural Health Conference Featuring Oral Health
The 2026 Idaho Rural Health Conference, held in Boise, April 29-30, will include tracks and breakout sessions related to oral health. Oral health workforce will be one of the featured topics for facilitated discussion. Continuing education certificates will be provided and, thanks to funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration Oral Health Workforce Grant, the Idaho Oral Health Program has a limited amount of funding available for travel reimbursement. More information will be available on travel reimbursements when registration for the conference opens. - 2026 Idaho Medicaid Factsheet (pdf)
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)