St. Pete launches fluoride program for underserved kids

• Dentists warned the ban would leave children in low-income and rural areas with fewer tools to fight tooth decay.

State of play: St. Pete leaders allocated $50,000 in this year's budget toward the partnership with Evara Health, which will provide free fluoride varnish applications to kids.

• The nonprofit health care system will hold mobile dental clinics throughout the city, prioritizing low-income census tracts, St. Pete spokesperson Samantha Bequer told Axios.
• Fluoride varnish will also be available during routine visits at Evara's St. Pete pediatric offices.

What they're saying: "The goal of the program is to reach children who may not currently receive regular dental care," Bequer said.

What's next: City leaders will announce the dates and locations of upcoming mobile dental clinics as they're scheduled.

• Families interested in the services can also contact Evara Health directly.