Fluoride discontinued at Shamokin Area schools

SHAMOKIN — Shamokin Area School Board voted Tuesday night to discontinue the distribution of fluoride tablets to students.

School nurses made the recommendation after consultation with the state Department of Health. Department officials said that since fluoride is a prescription medicine, it cannot be administered without a doctor’s approval and must be in a prescribed bottle.

Nurses advised parents to discuss fluoride supplements for their children with their family doctor or dentist.