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Managing Challenges to Water Fluoridation
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Judith Feinstein, MSPH, Director Maine CDC Oral Health Program Augusta, Maine
Chair, ASTDD Fluorides Committee
Strategies and Resources
Objectives
Describe effective strategies to use when CWF is challenged
Discuss the role of a State Oral Health Program/State Health Department in a challenge
Discuss the roles of partners and outside collaborators
Identify ASTDD and web-based resources
Strategies
Shift from “stealth” to proactive stance
Issue specific as a tactic Variety of voices – not only the
usual suspects Develop support apart
from/along with responding to challenges
Community Water Fluoridation:Advantages and Benefits
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Acknowledgements to the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Dental Health for parts of this presentation.
Judith Feinstein, Director Maine CDC Oral Health Program Augusta, Maine
OVERVIEW: SAMPLE/TEMPLATE PPT (next 5 slides)
Presentation to Water System Operators: Why CWF matters and why water systems are
important
Objectives Review history and extent
of CWF in the state Demonstrate impact of
CWF on health status * Demonstrate economic
benefits * Acknowledge role of PWS
operators *
Topics Public policy and research
(reviews) Why fluoridate? * Impact of tooth decay and
dental disease (lifespan) * Action of fluoride * FAQs *: Health concerns; why
fluoridation is still needed; fluorosis; changes in CDC & EPA recommendations
Background
Public Policy on Fluoridation Reviews – Benefits & Safety Why Fluoridation?
Fluoridated communities have 20%-40% less tooth decay (25%) Single most effective intervention Saves money: every dollar spent on water fluoridation avoids
on average $38 - $42 in dental care Benefits all consumers across socio-economic status Benefits children and adults Benefits last a lifetime
Fluoride Action
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Systemic vs. topical and benefits to adults ----------------------------------
FAQs for water districts: Health concerns Why do we still need it Fluorosis, infant formula Changes pending from CDC and EPA
Why Fluoridation is Still Needed
Water fluoridation is a population (community) level intervention Broad reach (equal opportunity) Safety, effectiveness, low cost Delivers a sustainable level of benefit in an
inexpensive way (cost-effective) Changes in individual behaviors are difficult
to accomplish
Conclusions
Oral health status is improving We still have significant challenges Community water fluoridation is important Although it’s not an additive that makes
water safer (as do other treatments), there is an important public health benefit
Water systems and operators play an important role
Role of the State Oral Health Program
Know your limits Work up through your
organization Speak with one voice Provide/facilitate
information and resources, data, and training
Convene collaborating parties
Examples from states
Maine: focus on issues raised by opponents framed by supportive arguments and information
Iowa: countered public complaints with evidence of cost savings, public awareness campaign, and equipment grants program
Alaska: in Bethel campaign, used previous experience to organize approach, with strong emphasis on data showing less decay
Partners and Collaborators
New York experience… Iowa: partnered with Pew, Delta
Dental of Iowa, and Iowa Public Health Association for public awareness campaign; with Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation for equipment
Others
ASTDD Resources
http://www.astdd.org/fluoridation-and-fluorides-committee/
ASTDD Statement in response to DHHS and EPA fluoridation announcements: Community water fluoridation remains the cornerstone of dental caries prevention in the United States and has been demonstrated to be safe, cost-effective and beneficial…
Resources: Policies On Fluoride Best Practice Reports ASTDD Fluoridation Fact Sheet Organizations - General Fluoride Information Information by Topic Area Community Water Fluoridation ADA Links CDC Links
ASTDD Resources, continued
Research Topical Fluorides, Gels, Foams Fluoride Supplements School Fluoride Programs Fluoride Toothpaste
Members Only Section: Fluoridation Messaging Webinar, February 2012,
“Rethinking How We Talk About Fluoridation” PowerPoint template
Fluorides Committee
