Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #122057

Leah M. Devlin, DDS, MPH, President, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 1916 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1916, 919.715.4177, leah.devlin@ncmail.net

Although the evidence and science supporting the safety, effectiveness and practicality of fluoridation has been well documented, on the local and state level it is important to educate the public and decision makers about the extent of the evidence in support of fluoridation. A low key long-term educational program is usually most effective. Extensive grassroots education and organization may be needed in communities where fluoridation becomes controversial. Leadership from local and state health officials, organized medicine and dentistry and other health and human leaders and organizations are vital in moving fluoridation forward on the local community and state level. Different approaches may be needed in different communities and states depending on the status of fluoridation in that particular geographic area as well as the credibility of local and state health leaders, organizations, agencies, and institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe successful local and state initiatives to promote fluoridation.
• Describe the role of a state health department in the promotion and implementation of fluoridation.
• Present some of the barriers in advancing fluoridation at the state level.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation