Water fluoridation has been practised around the world since 1945. It was labelled by the Centers for Disease Control in the US as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century because of its role in reducing dental caries. Water fluoridation continues to be endorsed by the World Health Organisation and every leading medical, dental and scientific authority in Australia.  So why there vehement opposition when water fluoridation is proposed in any town or city? Is opposition only from conspiracy theory fringe groups, or are there legitimate concerns about the effectiveness, safety and ethics of water fluoridation? What about the studies showing possible harms of water fluoridation? Even if effective, is water fluoridation ‘mass medication’, and should governments fluoridate water supplies if some residents object? With the widespread use of fluoride toothpastes and other topical fluorides, is water fluoridation still relevant in Australia? Are there better ways to reduce dental caries, particularly by targeting higher risk individuals? Presenters will answer all these questions using examples from water fluoridation campaigns in NSW and Queensland.    

Water fluoridation campaigns are the soap opera of public health in Australia. Not everyone will feel comfortable basking in the limelight of centre stage, but as health professionals we all have a role to play. Presenters will provide skills and knowledge for attendees to become stronger advocates for better oral health in our communities.

Topics include

• Background to the introduction of water fluoridation in the US
• History of water fluoridation in Australia, including leadership role from NSW
• Water fluoridation decision making responsibility and the role of health professionals
• History of water fluoridation research and reviews into the effectiveness and safety of water fluoridation
• Opposition to water fluoridation, and how to respond to anti-fluoridation arguments
• Fluoride toothpastes and fluoride in the dental surgery

Learning Objectives

• Provide evidence-based information on fluorides and water fluoridation to individuals, community groups and councils
• Confidently advocate better dental health for Australians
• Respond to anti-fluoridation arguments
• Recommend and appropriately use fluorides in the dental surgery