The Minister for Health and opposition have balked at a suggestion from a NSW Greens MP for a parliamentary inquiry into the safety of fluoridated water, labelling the move a "waste of money" that could suggest there are unsubstantiated health risks.

The call has also prompted raised eyebrows from other members of the Greens party, with one senior NSW source saying it will come as a "surprise to many".

Jillian Skinner: Doesn't support a review.

MLC John Kaye, the NSW Greens health spokesman, told the Guardian Australia on Saturday the state government should consider an inquiry into the safety of adding fluoride to drinking water.

Dr Kaye, who describes himself as "strongly pro-fluoride", said he nevertheless thought an inquiry or some other form of public debate was necessary to address the concerns of many opponents within the community, particularly on the state's north coast.