Community Water Fluoridation

By Lori Rainchuso, RDH, MS, DHSc

This year marks the 73rd anniversary of community water fluoridation in the United States.¹ During this time, water fluoridation has been recognized as one of the greatest public health achievements.² In 1945, water fluoridation was first established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in an effort to reduce the high rate of dental caries that was common among the majority of Americans.¹ Today, the number of communities with access to fluoridated water continues to expand, benefitting millions in the US.³ Current data show that approximately 75% of the US population live in areas with fluoridated public water systems.⁴ One of the Healthy People 2020 objectives is to increase the percentage of communities with water fluoridation to 80%.⁵ On an annual basis, it is estimated that at least 90 communities consider starting or discontinuing water fluoridation.² Despite the strong evidence supporting community water fluoridation, oral health professionals often hesitate to advocate for it with their patients. This may be due to a lack of understanding about the topic or fear of patients’ opposing viewpoints. The aim of this discussion is to inform oral health professionals about community water fluoridation, including its benefits and the perceived controversy. Moreover, the intent is to support the role of oral health professionals in advocating for community water fluoridation.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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