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Managing Challenges to Water Fluoridation

Managing Challenges to Water Fluoridation. Strategies and Resources. Judith Feinstein, MSPH, Director Maine CDC Oral Health Program Augusta, Maine Chair, ASTDD Fluorides Committee. Objectives. Describe effective strategies to use when CWF is challenged

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Managing Challenges to Water Fluoridation

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  1. Managing Challenges to Water Fluoridation Strategies and Resources Judith Feinstein, MSPH, Director Maine CDC Oral Health Program Augusta, Maine Chair, ASTDD Fluorides Committee

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Community Water Fluoridation: Advantages and Benefits Judith Feinstein, Director Maine CDC Oral Health Program Augusta, Maine OVERVIEW: SAMPLE/TEMPLATE PPT (next 5 slides) Acknowledgements to the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Dental Health for parts of this presentation.

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Fluoride Action • 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. Thank you Judith A. Feinsteinjudith.a.feinstein@maine.gov 207-287-3267

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