Projected Outcomes of Removing Fluoride From US Public Water Systems

In a May 2025 article published in JAMA Health Forum, Santa Fe Group board member Dr. Lisa Simon and Dr. Sung Eun Choi examine the potential consequences of removing fluoride from U.S. public water systems. Their study, “Projected Outcomes of Removing Fluoride From U.S. Public Water Systems,“ uses national survey data and simulation models to estimate changes in caries rates and associated treatment needs if fluoridation were eliminated.

The findings suggest that fluoride removal could result in a significant increase in untreated dental decay, especially among children in lower-income communities who already face systemic barriers to care. The analysis also estimates additional treatment costs and long-term health impacts, highlighting how such a policy shift could widen existing disparities in oral health outcomes.

This research adds an important evidence-based perspective to ongoing policy discussions and supports the Santa Fe Group’s mission to advance health equity through informed action. As communities across the country reconsider public health interventions, the study offers a timely and measured voice grounded in both science and compassion.

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