The executive order called on the state health department to stop recommending fluoridation of public water supplies. It also instructed schools to no longer serve students food with artificial dyes as ingredients. Additionally, it formalized a request for the federal government to approve a ban on allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in Oklahoma to use food stamps to pay for soda or candy.
The professional medical associations were especially critical of the order targeting water fluoridation. In a statement, Dental Association President Dr. Twana Duncan cited fluoridation as the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay, noting that it has been cited as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century.
“Studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing dental decay by at least 25% in children and adults, even in the era of widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste,” Duncan said.
Oklahoma State Medical Association President Sumit Nanda said most trained physicians would strongly disagree with any statement that fluoride has been harmful to public health. He said the American Dental Association, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization all have long recognized water fluoridation not only as safe but also as an effective way to prevent tooth decay.
Statements defending fluoride in water supplies also were issued by other professional medical associations.
“Taking fluoride from drinking water won’t make Oklahomans healthier, but, more than likely, will decrease their health and increase health care costs,” said Dr. Steven Crawford, chairman of the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families.
“The amount of fluoride in our drinking water is carefully monitored and exists solely to protect public health by preventing tooth decay,” said Dr. Ashley Weedn, president of the Oklahoma chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Stitt said decisions on whether or not to add fluoride will be left to local municipalities and water districts but that the state health department will no longer make the recommendation.
While professional medical organizations expressed support for efforts to improve health outcomes, they said in separate statements that strategies other than those outlined in Stitt’s order would yield better results.
“Oklahoma’s health crisis won’t be solved without bold, sustained investment in primary care,” said Dr. Rachel Franklin, president of the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians. “We need more primary care physicians in our communities, targeted programs that improve health outcomes and a system that trains and keeps doctors where they’re needed most. Primary care is the front line of better health — and that includes science-backed public health efforts like vaccines, preventive care and chronic disease management. When we ignore evidence, devalue education and politicize science, we don’t just fall behind — we fail our people.”
The groups suggested five strategies for improving health in Oklahoma:
- Invest in health care infrastructure, medical education and incentives for professionals to practice in underserved communities.
- Educate Oklahomans about the importance of science-based preventive health care, including wellness visits, dental visits, immunizations and fluoridation of public water.
- Restore funding for health care reduced by the Department of Government Efficiency.
- Better address delayed or denied payments for care by insurance companies.
- Protect Oklahoma’s children and most vulnerable patients by ensuring that Medicaid is fully funded.
“Health care should be backed by science and carried out by trained health care providers in collaboration with their patients,” Crawford said. “Preventive care, including immunizations and regular wellness checks with a doctor and a dentist are vital in protecting an individual’s health. Our hope is that our governor will find a way to focus on initiatives that will truly take Oklahoma from a bottom 10 health care state to the top.”
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