Davis County Board of Health rescinds its fluoridation regulation after state ban

Jay Clark, introduced by the chair to present the topic, summarized the local history of drinking-water fluoridation and explained the legislative change that prompted the board’s action. "At that point our regulation could no longer be enforced and really that's why I'm here today is just to recommend to the board that we rescind the Davis County Board of Health drinking water fluoridation regulation," Jay Clark said. He traced the county’s regulation to voter action in 2000 and described prior oversight provisions for storage, training and response to overfeeds.

Clark told the board that "House Bill 81" revised the code and now prohibits adding fluoride to water that will be introduced to a public water system and forbids political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing ordinances that permit such additions. Board members discussed monitoring and public education steps after the regulatory change; one clinician noted it may take several years to see measurable dental impacts in younger populations. The board moved, seconded and approved a motion to rescind the regulation by voice vote; the chair stated the vote was unanimous. The rescission was framed as compliance with state law rather than a local policy judgment and board members agreed to consider a future resolution affirming support for oral health as an official position.