Governor Ned Lamont has signed legislation that protects Connecticut’s current water fluoridation standards, ensuring continued alignment with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommended level of 0.7 mg/L. The law, effective immediately, removes reliance on shifting federal guidelines—offering a safeguard as some states consider eliminating fluoride from public water systems.
“Community water fluoridation has been effective in the United States for nearly a century, and it remains one of the most successful and efficient strategies in improving oral health,” Governor Lamont said. “There is no reason to tamper with this health standard, which has been proven to be safe and effective for many decades. With this enactment of this new state law, we will ensure that this public health standard continues in Connecticut regardless of whatever political decisions are made at the federal level. I appreciate the leadership of Connecticut’s Senate Democrats caucus, particularly Senator Looney and Senator Duff, for bringing this issue before the legislature and advocating for its passage so that I could sign it into law.”
Dentists and public health experts widely praised the law as a victory for science-based policymaking. Fluoridation has been credited with reducing cavities by 25% and saving millions in dental treatment costs.
“To put it simply, there’s no evidence that fluoride in public waterways in the United States does anything other than prevent cavities and improve oral health,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) said. “In Canada, cavity rates rose 10% when Calgary removed fluoride from public water supplies – and the city’s leaders are working to bring it back. Why make the same mistake? This bill ensures Connecticut will not turn its back on one of the best public health advances of the last century. We will not be intimidated by conspiracy theories that put our children and public health at risk.”
Connecticut’s decision comes in response to increasing misinformation nationwide, including statements by some officials labeling fluoridation as “medical malpractice.” Leading medical organizations—including the CDC, ADA, and WHO—strongly support fluoridation as safe and effective.
“In stark contrast to the fluoride ban in Utah, Florida, and, most recently in Oklahoma, I am proud to be practicing in Connecticut where there has been a proactive approach to protecting community water fluoridation,” Dr. Brianna Muñoz, a board-certified pediatric dentist and president of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, said. “Recognized by the CDC as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, water fluoridation has been proven to prevent tooth decay for the entire community in the most equitable and cost-effective manner. Community water fluoridation is the only way to cross socioeconomic lines and to benefit those living in the shadows of society who may not otherwise have access to dental care.”
The law is codified in Section 183 of Public Act 25-168 and takes effect immediately following the governor’s signature.
