Local dentists and residents urge Davie County to keep fluoride in drinking water

Multiple speakers during public comment urged the county to continue community water fluoridation and asked commissioners to remove any action on fluoridation from a consent agenda and place it on a regular agenda for full consideration.

William Vaughn warned the board: "You're making a big, big mistake if you take the fluoride out of the drinking water," calling fluoridation a more than 100‑year treatment with clear generational benefits. Dr. Andrew Rivers, a local dentist, described community water fluoridation as "one of the most thoroughly studied public‑health measures" and said it protects children who lack regular access to dental care. He asked the board to "continue community water fluoridation in Davie County."

County Manager Barnett confirmed a fluoridation resolution appeared on the consent agenda; public commenters asked the board to discuss it in regular session rather than as a consent item. The board did not take final action to remove the item from consent during the recorded discussion; the consent agenda passed unanimously as presented. The board and staff did not provide additional technical studies during the meeting; speakers cited national organizations in support but also asked for more public discussion going forward.