COMMUNITY WATER FLUORIDATION
Health professionals, from pediatricians, general care practitioners, to dentists and hygienists, all play an integral part as advocates and allies of Community Water Fluoridation. Health professionals serve as a primary link for their patients on accurate information regarding CWF and the health benefits of fluoride. Catalyst wants to ensure health providers and professionals have the tools and information necessary to do their job well. The following information includes national and Virginia-specific resources that can help ensure the health and safety of the communities they serve.
General Information
Don't know where to start - or do you have questions about Community Water Fluoridation? Please click on the following links below to learn more.
- Facts About Community Water Fluoridation for Healthcare Professionals (VDH) - The VDH developed this infographic specifically for healthcare professionals. This provides a quick 'top ten' facts about CWF and fluoride, with details on how to handle conversations with folks served by a community water system (public utility) or those who have private wells.
- Health Professionals Fluoride Safety (Campaign for Dental Health) - A infographic that healthcare professionals can review for quick/useful information regarding fluoride. It provides information on how much fluoride patients may need and covers some of the 'talked about' fluoride issues.
Unsure if your water is fluoridated?
The CDC compiles a list of all water utilities that actively fluoridate.
General Resources
The following resources can be useful to folks across the health sector. These provide information to advocacy groups and their resources, like the Campaign for Dental Health or the Virginia Health Catalyst's 2022 report card to government goals relating to CWF, such as Health People 2030.
- The Campaign for Dental Health (I Like My Teeth) - I Like My Teeth is the website for the Campaign for Dental Health, a program of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While this can be a resource for everyone, they have more targeted information for health professionals.
- Catalyst Report Card 2022 - coming soon!
- Community Preventive Services Task Force (The Community Guide) - The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide) is a collection of evidence-based findings of the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF). It is a resource to help you select interventions to improve health and prevent disease in your state, community, community organization, business, healthcare organization, or school. This one-page handout summarizes the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommendation and systematic review of the evidence for community water fluoridation to reduce tooth decay (i.e., dental caries or cavities).
- Healthy People 2030 - Healthy People provides 10-year, measurable public health objectives — and tools to help track progress toward achieving them. This link directs folks to their 2030 goals relating to CWF.
Patient Communications
Communication is a key step in promoting an accurate understanding of CWF. Health professionals often serve as the primary source of health literacy to their patients. The following resources connect health professionals with the resources they might need when patients have questions or misunderstandings about CWF.
- 5 Steps to Promote Health Equity (ADA) - The ADA provides a simple path for health equity advocates to communicate the benefits of CWF.
- Talking to Your Patients About Community Fluoridation (a guide for medical and dental professionals) (NY) - This report provides medical and dental professionals with the tools and information needed to provide CWF education to their patients.
For Pediatricians
- American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Recommendations on Maintaining, Improving Children's Oral Health
- The AAP recommends fluoridated water over other beverages in addition to pediatricians assessing patients' oral health during visits, regularly communicating guidance for oral health to patients and caretakers, advising caretakers to assist and monitor tooth-brushing until a child turns 10 (beginning as soon as teeth erupt), and encouraging caregivers to model healthy oral health habits to their children.
For Dentists
- Fluoride in Water (ADA) - The ADA compiled this toolkit to provide the facts, resources, and advocacy for fluoridation as a proven way to prevent tooth decay. This toolkit details fluoride issues, among other helpful resources like their Fluoride Facts ebook.
- Natural Fluoride in Drinking Water (ASTDD) - The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) produced a fact sheet answering the most common questions about fluoride naturally occurring in private wells.
- American Dental Association's Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention has two staff that assist with CWF efforts. Virginia's representative is:
Matt Zaborowski, MPH, CPH
Manager, Preventative Health Activities
Email: zaborowskim@ada.org
Phone: (312) 440 - 2775