Utah will become the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, despite widespread opposition from dentists and national health organizations. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox said he would sign legislation that bars cities and communities from deciding whether to add the mineral to their water systems.

The Utah ban, set to begin in early May, follows the appointment of U.S. health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who opposes the addition of fluoride to public water systems and has said Republican President Donald Trump will call for an end to its use.

Utah is set to become the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. On Monday, Utah's Republican Governor Spencer Cox stated that he would sign a bill banning the chemical in drinking water when it arrives at his desk.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (Rep.) plans to sign a bill from his state's House and Senate that would ban adding fluoride to public water systems. If Cox signs the bill, H.B. 81, it would go into effect on May 7.