|
| The AGDTranscript is a quarterly e-newsletter sent to each state dental board in an effort to facilitate greater awareness of dental trends and issues across the nation. As the Academy of General Dentistry worked with Licensing dental boards toward acceptance of the AGD state transcript, it was noticed that happenings in one state were not always publicized to other states. Through this newsletter, the AGD hopes to build a lasting relationship with state licensing agencies while communicating information of interest. |
|
|
|
|
|
There is a myriad of Web sites debating the effects of fluoride in water on Americans’ teeth. And lately, more state legislatures are entering the debate as well. Nearly all water on earth contains naturally-occurring fluoride at levels below, equal to, or above those used in community water fluoridation. Community water fluoridation began around 1945 when investigation of the decay-preventing effects of naturally occurring fluoride in water showed its benefits. For more than 60 years, scientists have observed and conducted epidemiological and animal studies to determine the effectiveness and safety of fluoride in water.
As of 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that almost 66 percent of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water through the taps in their homes. Some communities have naturally occurring fluoride in their water; others add it at water-processing plants. Communities in every state have water fluoridation:
Percentage of state populations on public water systems receiving fluoridated water and state rank, 2002
 - april 08 issue.jpg)
Data Source: 2002 Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS)
Even with more than 50 years of scientific research, many communities still lack optimal amounts of fluoridation in their water. And at least three legislatures are reviewing legislation this spring to provide fluoridation to water within their state.
- In Nebraska, Legislative Bill 245, which was introduced last year but was carried over in to 2008, would require all communities with more than 1,000 residents to add fluoride to the water supply if sufficient fluoride does not occur naturally. (However, those cities that would elect to not fluoridate may opt out of the requirement by a public vote.)
- This year, Hawaii, which ranks at the bottom of the list of states that percentage of state populations on public water systems receiving fluoridated water, has introduced Senate Bill 2416. This bill requires the Department of Health to establish and administer the water fluoridation pilot program in the County of Maui to adjust the amount of naturally- occurring fluoride in the water to a level that will benefit oral health. However, this bill has been held in committee since February 2008.
- Tennessee may be the first state in the country to require bottled water containers manufactured and sold in that state to show whether the bottles contain added fluoride.
- Louisiana Senate Bill 312 was introduced on March 31, 2008, to develop water fluoridation in that state. This bill would require each public water system with at least 5,000 service connections that has fluoride levels lower than the minimum optimal level to provide to the department, no later than March 1, 2009, an estimate of the total capital costs to acquire and install fluoridation treatment equipment capable of maintaining optimal fluoride levels.
With 11 states having fewer than 50 percent of their public water supply systems containing optimal levels of fluoride, hopefully we will see more states passing water fluoridation bills in the future. As general dentists, AGD members always are interested in ways to prevent tooth decay. Because fluoride can prevent and even reverse tooth decay by enhancing re-mineralization (the process by which fluoride “rebuilds” tooth enamel that is beginning to decay), AGD members strongly support any legislation or acts by state agencies to provide optimal levels of fluoride in state water supplies.
Back to Top
|
