Fluoridation considered by policymakers, voters
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Posted May 20, 2008 |
By Stacie Crozier Fluoridation has been a hot topic for voters, legislators and policymakers in Nebraska, Michigan, Colorado and Massachusetts in April and May.
In a dramatic, last minute move by the Nebraska unicameral legislature, senators overrode Gov. Dave Heineman's veto of a bill requiring statewide fluoridation on the last day of its legislative session. The bill, submitted by the Nebraska Dental Association, was passed by the legislature and vetoed the day before.
"The third time's a charm," said David O'Doherty, NDA executive director. "In 2003 and 2005, the NDA introduced a bill requiring statewide fluoridation. Both times the bill advanced out of the Health and Human Services Committee, but was never debated before the entire unicameral. However, on April 17, the state of Nebraska took a tremendous step toward improving the oral health of our citizens. The legislature passed and then overrode a governor's veto to enact LB 245—a new law that calls on cities and towns with at least 1,000 residents to adjust the level of fluoride in their public water systems to help prevent tooth decay."
But NDA's work is not over, Mr. O'Doherty stressed. "City councils of cities without enough fluoride in their water have the right to put the fluoride issue to a vote of their communities anytime before June 1, 2010, and we already know of two communities that are planning to do that."
Sixty-four Nebraska communities—more than 297,000 citizens—could consider fluoridation measures on a ballot in the next two years.
On April 28, the Port Huron, Mich., city council voted 5-2 to approve the purchase of fluoride materials to continue community water fluoridation.
"More than 15 local dentists were there to support and address the issue," said Thomas Kochheiser, director of marketing and public relations for the Michigan Dental Association. "The county medical officer, the director of the St. Clair County Health Department, the local dental hygiene society and Dr. Sheila Semler, oral health director for the Michigan Department of Community Health, were all instrumental in providing information to the council members and carrying dentistry's message. Once again, a community approach with high profile involvement of the dental community led to another Michigan fluoride victory."
The town of Erie, Colo., approved fluoridation April 1 in a tight vote of 1,570 to 1,481.
"The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is pleased that the Town of Erie approved this effective public health practice," said Diane Brunson, director, Oral, Rural, Primary Care Section, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. "The residents of Erie will now have the benefits of fluoridation that the majority of Coloradoans currently enjoy."
Voters in two Massachusetts communities, Littleton and Yarmouth, rejected fluoridation bids. Vote totals in Littleton were 759 against to 324 for fluoridation. Yarmouth voters rejected a bid to become the first fluoridated community on Cape Cod by a margin of 4,891 against to 1,599 for fluoridation.
"Although we were obviously disappointed with the outcome in Yarmouth and Littleton, our members remain strongly committed to continuing to educate the public on the many benefits of fluoride, which hopefully will result in future ballot victories," said Scott Davis, chief communications officer, Massachusetts Dental Society.
For more details on community water fluoridation, log on to www.ada.org/goto/fluoride, where you can find a resource list, the Fluoridation Facts publication, ADA policies and statements, links to other fluoridation Web sites and more.
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