02/07/2026
Dear Tennessee Dental Hygienists,
This is an important call to action from the Tennessee Dental Hygienists Association (TNDHA).
Several bills related to community water fluoridation are currently moving through the Tennessee General Assembly and require our collective attention. We recognize that some members may hold differing views on fluoride and its use, and we respect those perspectives.
As an association, TNDHA aligns with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the Tennessee Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, and others in endorsing community water fluoridation at 0.7 mg/L as a safe, evidence-based public health measure. Water fluoridation protects those who are most vulnerable, particularly children and those with limited or no access to dental care.
We are calling on you to participate by writing letters/emailing your local legislators to inform and educate them on the importance of water fluoridation and ask them to vote NO to these bills that will harm our fellow Tennesseans.
Sincerely,
Alicia Walker RDH, BSDH, FADHA
TNDHA President
Alicia Azimipour, RDH, BSPH
TNDHA Legislative Chair
Bill 1 (Carryover from Last Year)
SB 1142 – Sen. Rusty Crowe (Johnson City)
HB 0898 – Rep. Chris Todd (Madison County)
Summary:
Requires certain utility systems that fluoridate water to obtain and publicly post a certificate of analysis and material safety data sheet for fluoride, either on the utility’s website or the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation (TBOUR) website if no utility website exists. Applies to county, municipal, utility authority, treatment authority, and utility district systems.
This bill has already passed the Senate.
🔗 https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB1142&ga=114
Bill 2
SB 2304 – Sen. Mark Pody (Lebanon)
HB 2471 – Rep. Susan Lynn (Mt. Juliet)
Summary:
Enacts the Tennessee Fluoride-Free Water Act, which would prohibit public water systems from adding fluoride to drinking water, prohibit the sale of bottled water containing added fluoride, and mandate actions when naturally occurring fluoride exceeds specified levels.
🔗 https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2304
Bill 3
SB 0162 – Sen. Joey Hensley (Giles, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, and part of Williamson Counties)
HB 2396 - Rep. Michele Reneau (Hamilton County)
Summary:
Utilities, Utility Districts - As introduced, prohibits public water system operators from adding fluoride to their water systems
🔗 https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB0162
Find Your Legislator
🔗 https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/LegislatorInfo/
Message me, Alicia Azimipour, if you would like a sample letter.
