CHENEY, Wash. — Cheney leaders are considering ending the city’s water fluoridation program, but the move is drawing concern from local dentists.
Community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by about 25%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But Mayor Elsa Martin said in a letter that the city is facing other water-system needs, including backup power for wells and addressing recent PFAS contamination.
The city’s fluoride injection equipment is aging, and Martin said replacement costs would be several thousand dollars.
Dr. Pete Holmes, president of the Spokane District Dental Society, said dentists support maintaining fluoride in the water supply.
“As a dentist, we can fix cavities, but we would much rather prevent them,” Holmes said.
Holmes said cavities are the most common chronic condition among children younger than 6 and can be expensive to treat.
“Community water fluoridation makes a huge financial impact as well as just a health impact,” Holmes said.
Holmes said the dental society has contacted both the Washington State Dental Associated and American Dental Association in search of possible financial help for Cheney. The group presented potential funding options during the City Council meeting on Sept. 22.
Dr. Nick Velis told council members the city could have access to private funding for the upgrades, but was told to hold discussion until the Oct. 13 meeting.
“If this is an issue of cost, it is unclear why the city would not be interested in hearing potential solutions,” Velis said at the meeting.
We contacted the City of Cheney for comment but have not received a response.
The Cheney City Council is expected to consider the issue at its Oct. 13 meeting. Public comment is welcome.
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