The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Faculty of Dental Surgery welcomes the statement issued by the UK Chief Medical Officers around water fluoridation. In it, they confirm that fluoridation of the water is an effective intervention in reducing the prevalence of dental caries.
The Faculty supports this public health initiative in that water fluoridation does reduce dental decay as evidenced by the reduction in hospital admissions for children with dental extractions particularly in areas of high deprivation. The report also highlights that there are other important oral health strategies that can complement this. There are still significant inequalities in oral health that have been very much highlighted by the ongoing pandemic. There still must be a large investment at all levels to ensure access and affordability remain key strategies in tackling these issues.
We look forward to learning how the implementation of this strategy is going to take place across the UK with the engagement of all relevant stakeholders.
Mr Andrew Edwards
Dean, Faculty of Dental Surgery
Vice President (Dental)
Read the statement on water fluoridation from the UK Chief Medical Officers here.