September 29, 2026 – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 350, the Respecting Fluoride for Kids Act, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), which makes fluoride varnish easier to get for California children and teens by opening the door to more places and trained professionals to deliver fluoride, and making sure it’s covered for all children without cost-sharing.
“For too long California has been in the bottom tier of states when it comes to youth oral health. AB 350 ensures we take some of the easiest, most proven steps to protect our children’s dental health, keeping them in the classroom, out of the dentist’s office, and smiling with confidence,” said Assemblymember Mia Bonta. “AB 350 will expand access points for fluoride varnish to schools and public health settings, ensuring a healthy smile is accessible to more Californians. In an era when settled science on fluoride is being questioned, California is expanding a safe, cost-effective way to prevent cavities.”
Under AB 350 Medi-Cal will cover fluoride treatment for children under 21, and the Department of Health Care Services must issue guidance by July 1, 2027 allowing fluoride varnish without unnecessary restrictions. Additionally, commercial health plans and insurers that cover fluoride varnish for children must cover it whether billed as a dental or medical benefit, with no deductible, coinsurance, or copayment, starting January 1, 2027.
“Governor Newsom signing AB 350 moves California in the right direction in the fight against tooth decay,” said Dr. Robert Hanlon, California Dental Association President. “Despite national messaging undermining the efficacy and safety of fluoride, fluoride varnish protects millions of children’s teeth every year. CDA commends Assemblymember Mia Bonta for championing AB 350 to expand access to fluoride varnish, which will go a long way to improving the oral health of our most vulnerable children.”
Despite fluoride varnish’s ease of application and proven track record for oral health, currently Medi-Cal only reimburses fluoride varnish in primary care for children under 5 and only when administered by select health professionals. Meanwhile, California ranks 47th of 51 states and D.C. for children with decayed teeth or cavities. In the state’s Smile Survey, 61% of third graders had experienced tooth decay, and the rate was 72% among Latino third graders compared with 40% among white third graders.
The University of California’s California Health Benefits Review Program estimates AB 350 could prevent about 30,000 cavities among the roughly 140,000 additional children and teens who would receive fluoride varnish.
“This Pro-Kid bill is a?major step towards preventing cavities for California kids,” said Ted Lempert, President of Children Now. “We thank Governor Newsom for signing AB 350 into law, and Assemblymember Bonta for her commitment to expanding access to fluoride varnish and improving kids’ oral health.”
AB 350 comes as Utah and Florida have banned community water fluoridation and the FDA has moved to restrict ingestible fluoride products for children.