On February 27, 2026, AGD submitted a comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to the agency’s notice entitled, Review of Science on Fluoride in Drinking Water: Preliminary Assessment Plan and Literature Survey. EPA sought public comment on its plan to develop a toxicity assessment that will review scientific information on the potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water. 

In the letter, AGD requested that the literature survey prioritize peer-reviewed studies published in reputable journals, such as those of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). AGD also noted that in many studies alleging detrimental effects on neurocognition, fluoride exposure levels were much higher than the 0.7 mg/L level followed by municipal water systems in the U.S. Additionally, AGD urged EPA to consider the methods used to measure fluoride levels.

 

Impact on General Dentistry: EPA’s review of fluoride science could influence drinking water standards and federal guidance on the use of community water fluoridation. AGD remains committed to advocating for the use of fluoride as a safe and effective preventive measure against cavities and tooth decay.