"Fluoridation is an effective public health tool Oregon has waited too long to offer most of its citizens, especially our children."

Rep. Tina Kotek
Chair, House Subcommittee on Health Policy

"Oregonians have waited long enough to enjoy the benefits of drinking fluoridated water that most Americans take for granted. Oregon legislators should act quickly on HB 3099. It's time."

Former Oregon Senator Mark O. Hatfield

"Close to 80 percent of Oregon's 3.7 million residents still lack fluoridated water, a worse track record than every state except Hawaii and Utah."

Commentary by Susan
Nielsen January 21, 2007

Our coalition includes:
Oregon Nurses Association
Northwest Health Foundation
Oregon Dental Association
Oregon Public Health Association
Oregon Pediatric Society
Oregon Medical Association

View all coalition members...

"Studies show that individuals living in communities with fluoridated water supplies experience a reduction in tooth decay of 18-40%, with no negative health impacts."

- Dr. Bruce Goldberg. M.D.
Director, Oregon Department of Human Services.

Unfinished business... Legislators fail to act on community water fluoridation, again.

House Bill 3099, a measure that would have ensured all Oregon water systems serving 10,000 or more would provide recommended levels of fluoride in their drinking water, was among the Oregon legislature's unfinished business when it adjourned in June. As lawmakers prepared to leave Salem, they decided to block any votes to provide community water fluoridation to most Oregonians – despite support from a majority of senators and representatives.

The failure of Oregon legislators to act on this proven public health program means Oregon remains 48th among the 50 states in protecting its citizens – especially children and seniors – from dental disease and decay.

The Healthy Smiles Coalition will use the broad base of support for community water fluoridation to convince lawmakers to act on the issue when they meet again in 2009. The need is clear. More than 60 years of research and practical experience has shown fluoridation is safe and beneficial for everyone. More than two-thirds of Americans benefit from drinking fluoridated water. But just 20% of Oregonians live in communities with fluoridated water supplies.

Find out more about how you can help make community water fluoridation available to most Oregonians.