Water Fluoridation Prevalence and Occurence

Since its inception in 1945, water fluoridation has been shown to be an effective public health measure to reduce tooth decay. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was tasked with the public health promotion of community water fluoridation in 1978, and in 1999 identified water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. CDC develops recommendations for water fluoridation; however, the authority to implement and manage fluoridation programs resides with state and local governments. CDC works with state governments to monitor water fluoridation programs and to report program statistics every 2 years. In 2006, almost 70 percent of the U.S. population served by public water systems had access to fluoridated water, up from 62.1% in 1992 and 65.0% in 2000. The 2008 report is expected to show continued progress toward the Healthy People 2010 target of 75%. CDC's Division of Oral Health has recently completed a review of state statutes requiring mandatory state wide community water fluoridation; mandatory referendum to fluoridate; and the authority to make the decision to add fluoride to water systems vested in the state boards of health, county commissioners or local boards of health.

This presentation will provide: 1) historical and recent fluoridation statistics and activities; 2) the new estimates for prevalence and occurrence of naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water supplies; 3) national and local strategies based on public health law and successful models to overcome challenges and meet national water fluoridation goals.