This funding would initiate a pilot project with new fluoridation technology making community water fluoridation more accessible for distressed areas. Currently, 36 Missouri counties are without fluoridated water systems. All are rural and 16 are in high-need areas experiencing a dentist shortage.

Statewide, more than 1,100 water utilities, serving nearly 1.5 million people, don’t put fluoride in the water. Yet, research shows fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.

The state’s funding for community water fluoridation is imperative for the dental health of Missourians.

Rob Goren • Sunset Hills
President and CEO of Delta Dental of Missouri

*Original letter online at https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/mailbag/letter-state-needs-to-help-rural-counties-lacking-fluoridation/article_2a6ea615-8be6-549d-84fa-7939d467f218.html

Note: This is the third letter from Rob Goren:

April 11:Letter: State needs to help rural counties lacking fluoridation, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
April 8: Letter: Missouri should support fluoride, News Press Now
April 7: Letter: Community water fluoridation protects Missourians’ oral health, Columbia Missourian