Welcome to the Utah Dental Association!
Welcome to the UDA Website. We hope you will enjoy the features we can offer through the American Dental Association's web hosting services. Visit often to access the many resources and links to updated information. Thank you for visiting and for your continued membership in the ADA/UDA.Fluoride Updates
After May 7, fluoride will no longer be added to community drinking water in Salt Lake County, Davis County and Brigham City.
The Utah Dental Association has put together a toolkit to help you answer your patient's questions regarding fluoride.
Please note these will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Fluoride Toolkit
Utah Dental Association Statement - May 6, 2025
In light of the discontinuation of community water fluoridation in several regions across Utah, the Utah Dental Association (UDA) emphasizes the continued importance of fluoride in maintaining strong, healthy teeth—particularly for children and other vulnerable populations.
Fluoride is a safe, proven tool in the fight against tooth decay. Without it in the water supply, residents are encouraged to speak with their dental care providers about appropriate fluoride supplements or topical fluoride treatments to ensure adequate protection. These options are especially important for children, who benefit significantly from fluoride as their teeth develop. Dr Rodney Thornell, UDA president states, “We want everyone to know the benefits of fluoride, even if they have not been getting their water fluoridated.”
In addition to fluoride supplementation, the UDA strongly recommends that all Utahns continue to visit their dentist at least twice a year for preventive care. “Regular dental check-ups are critical for detecting early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues—many of which are easier and less expensive to treat when caught early,” reports Dr Darren Chamberlain, pediatric dentist and UDA Board Member.
As your trusted source for oral health guidance, the UDA remains committed to supporting the well-being of all Utah communities. We urge residents to stay informed, consult their dental professionals, and take proactive steps to preserve their oral health.
Utah Dental Association
Utah Dental Association Statement on the Signing of HB 81
Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah Dental Association (UDA) is disappointed in the Utah Legislature and Governor for failing to put Utah’s children, vulnerable, and at risk populations first by signing HB 81, which removes fluoride from community water systems. This decision disregards decades of scientific research demonstrating that community water fluoridation at optimal levels is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient way to prevent tooth decay.
“As a dentist I am really concerned about what the removal of fluoride from our water supplies will mean for my patients,” said Utah Dental Association President-elect, Dr Richard Fisher. “It’s going to be heartbreaking for us to see increased dental disease, especially for my young patients who did not have the choice in the matter. Doctors and pharmacists across the state are going to have to step up to make sure children are getting adequate fluoride treatments,” said Dr. Fisher, a Salt Lake County dentist.
Fluoride in drinking water has been proven to reduce cavities by at least 25% across all age groups, protecting the most vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and low-income families. The removal of this critical public health measure will lead to an increase in childhood dental disease, higher treatment costs for families, and unnecessary suffering for Utahns. This will also lead to an increase in Medicaid costs to the State of Utah due to the increase in cavities that will occur.
Despite this setback, the dentists of Utah remain committed to preventing dental disease in children. The UDA will work closely with pharmacists and schools to establish alternative ways for children to receive fluoride, increasing their ability to benefit from its protective effects.
“While we strongly oppose this decision, we do appreciate the time and effort of the legislators and the Governor’s staff who studied this issue. We remain hopeful that we can work together in the future to restore fluoride to Utah’s community water systems and prioritize the health and well-being of all Utahns,” states Dr Richard Fisher, Utah Dental Association President Elect.
You can see the American Dental Association statement regarding Governor Cox signing the removal of community water fluoridation here. https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/community-water-fluoridation-prevents-painful-dental-disease
For more information on fluoride and dental health initiatives, please visit https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/fluoride-in-water
Utah Dental Association
Renew Your 2025 Membership Today!
ADA Statement on Dentistry as Essential Health Care
Statement on Dentistry as Essential Health Care
For more information about oral health, visit the ADA’s website for consumers, MouthHealthy.org.
Continuing Education and License Renewal info
To understand the Sedation level parameters when determining the level of licensure classification to be used in your practice – Go to: ADA Guidelines for Sedation and Anesthesia
See Your UDA Dentist
See Your UDA Dentist
Follow UDA on Social Media
Check out the new Online CE Course Library. Be sure to check back often as new courses will be added.
NEW CE COURSE LIBRARY!
Donate to UDPAC
DOPL Approved CE Courses:
DOPL Approved Courses for Mandatory CE Requirements on Opioid Abuse for Dental License Renewal
Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/dental/index.html
Contact Information:
For general licensing questions call:
(801) 530-6628
(866) 275-3675 Toll-Free in Utah
Bureau Manager
Lisa Martin – lmartin@utah.gov
Board Secretary
Brylee Miller - bryleemiller@utah.gov
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