On March 17, 2026, the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The hearing featured NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., as the sole witness. During the hearing, Representative Mike Simpson, D.M.D. (R-ID-02) stated that community water fluoridation is a “safe, effective, equitable, and economical way to prevent and reduce tooth decay.” Director Bhattacharya stated that while fluoride is essential for oral health, high levels of exposure could have neurological and developmental impacts, emphasizing that the right dose must be delivered in the right way.

A recording of the hearing can be found here.

Impact on General Dentistry: AGD remains committed to advocating for the use of fluoride as a safe and effective preventative measure against cavities and tooth decay.