Statement from ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz on FDA Action Regarding Ingestible Fluoride Prescription Products

“The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) acknowledges the FDA’s announcement regarding the removal of ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market.

ADHA maintains that fluoride provided to children should be administered at scientifically safe levels. In the case of prescription fluoride, a determination should be made that the child or guardian can safely adhere to the guidelines for use. Rationales for limiting use should be based on evidence. There is no scientific evidence that fluoride at low levels (<2 mg L–1 NaF in humans) affects gut microbiota.

This action by the FDA comes as states like Utah are eliminating community water fluoridation, creating unprecedented challenges for oral disease prevention, particularly in underserved populations and rural areas with limited access to dental care.

While avoiding sugar and maintaining good oral hygiene are fundamental to dental health, these measures alone are insufficient. Fluoride and regular dental hygiene visits remain essential components of comprehensive cavity prevention, especially for those who lack resources for routine dental care.

Dental hygienists are adapting by implementing alternative prevention strategies including thorough risk assessments, targeted topical fluoride applications, silver diamine fluoride treatments, and enhanced patient education. However, these interventions require regular access to dental professionals which is a challenge in underserved areas where existing oral health disparities will likely worsen without fluoride resources.

We urge policymakers to consider the profound impact these decisions have on the oral health of the American people, and particularly vulnerable populations, and to support increased access to preventive dental care services.”

Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH
President, American Dental Hygienists’ Association
May 13, 2025

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About the American Dental Hygienists’ Association
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is the only organization representing the professional interests of the more than 220,000 dental hygienists in the United States. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. The Journal of Dental Hygiene (JDH), published bi-monthly, is ADHA’s scientific journal and flagship publication. To learn more about the ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit www.adha.org.

ADHA Media Contact
Bronwyn Barrera, MBA
(312) 440-8911
[email protected]