The Kentucky House Health Services Committee passed a bill that would allow local water systems to decide whether to add fluoride, newsfromthestates.com reported Feb. 20.
House Bill 16 was introduced to the state legislature in January. It was advanced by a 11-4 committee vote after more than an hour of discussion with dentists and other healthcare workers.
Those opposing the bill said making water fluoridation optional could lead to worsening oral health and children missing school due to tooth pain. However, one dentist questioned the overall safety of fluoride exposure, and referred to water fluoridation as "mass medication without informed consent."