Local pharmacies and dentists are preparing for Utah’s fluoride ban
May 1, 2025, 6:00 PM | Updated: May 6, 2025, 5:38 pm
Residents in much of Riverton City were advised to boil their water after crews discovered secondary irrigation water was mixing with the city's culinary water system. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Pharmacies and dentists along the Wasatch Front are preparing for the fluoride ban to go into effect Wednesday, May 7. The ban prevents the 484 water systems in the state from adding fluoride to the supply. Currently, only 66 of those systems add the mineral.
More people, especially parents, are asking questions about what’s next.
‘Parents are asking about the options’
Becky Waters is a registered dental hygienist working in South Ogden.
“The fluoride conversation has increased over the past months since HB81 was introduced and went through the legislative process,” Waters said.
She said she’s been talking to patients about fluoride supplements.
“Parents are asking about the options,” Waters said. “Those things include topical applications during visits at the dentists … There are prescription supplements, prescription toothpaste and rinses that are available. Also, supplements, tablets and drops that can be given to specifically children when their teeth are still developing.”
Pharmacies stocking up ahead of fluoride ban
Because the conversation is getting bigger and more people are learning about the options, local pharmacies are stocking up.
“We purchased several bottles of fluoride to have in stock, if, and when, parents request it,” Benjamin Jolley, a pharmacist with Jolley’s Compounding pharmacy, said.
Jolley said that, knowing the ban was coming up, they wanted to be prepared.
“I actually reached out to the city’s [Salt Lake City] Department of Public Utilities and asked how much fluoride is in the water, naturally occurring versus added,” Jolley said.
The recommended dose actually depends on the age of the child and how much of the mineral was added to the water to begin with.
While banning the added fluoride, the bill is also written to give pharmacies an easier time providing it.
“You should be able to walk into any pharmacy, in theory, and say ‘Hi, I would like a prescribe of fluoride for my kid,'” Jolley said.
Jolley also said they’re working on getting the word out and letting parents know they can get it for their kids if they really want it.
