The Organized Dentistry Coalition, which includes the American Dental Association, is urging the Department of Defense to maintain current water fluoridation levels on military bases overseas.  

In a June 19 letter, the coalition said water fluoridation “is essential to dental health, which remains a critical component of military readiness and directly impacts the health of service members and their families.” 

Many military dependents on overseas bases lack access to base dental clinics and must rely on local providers through the TRICARE Dental Program for dental care, according to the coalition. The letter emphasized that water fluoridation could result in increased dental issues for this community.  

It also noted that past policies have recognized the direct link between fluoridated water and dental readiness, including a 2003 directive to support the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health People Goals and Objectives that included providing optimally fluoridated water to the population. Dental decay can lead to serious health complications and is a major reason junior enlisted members are classified as nondeployable, the coalition said.  

“Given the documented benefits of fluoridation in reducing cavities and promoting overall health, we strongly urge the [Department of Defense] to maintain the current water fluoridation standard of 0.7 mg/L in public water systems on overseas bases,” the coalition said. “Doing so will safeguard military readiness while ensuring families continue to receive essential preventive health care.” 

The Organized Dentistry Coalition letter was also signed by the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, American Association of Endodontists, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Association of Orthodontists, American Student Dental Association, and Society of American Indian Dentists.