While it is important to discuss this program, it is also important that information presented to the community is factual and can be supported by credible scientific and medical evidence.

The addition of fluoride to drinking water is one of the great public health achievements of the 20th Century.

At optimal levels (1mg/L, also known as 1 part per million), fluoride significantly reduces dental decay and is confirmed as safe and effective by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the World Health Organisation and numerous other medical, scientific and research organisations.

The NHMRC is Australia’s peak health body for the achievement of the best possible standards for individual and public health.

In 2007, it commissioned a review to evaluate scientific data on fluoridation.

The review affirms that water fluoridation remains the most effective and socially equitable means of achieving community wide exposure to the caries prevention effects of fluoride.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Wednesday’s Sunraysia Daily 2/9/2009.