| Thursday, 6 October 2005
FLUORIDATED WATER SUPPLIES TO BENEFIT DENTAL HEALTH
Drinking water in Horsham is to be fluoridated, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Robert Hall said today.
“The decision to fluoridate Horsham’s drinking water supply has been taken following the provision of information about fluoridation to Horsham residents,” Dr Hall said.
“The dental health benefits of fluoridated water supplies are proven – all the medical and scientific research validates its use.
“The Horsham Community Oral Health Group has been consulting widely within the community during the past 12 months with more than 30 presentations to a broad range of groups including health organisations, local government, service clubs, early childhood groups and schools.
“As a result of approaches by the Community Oral Health Group GWMWater’s customers received information about water fluoridation from the Department. Residents were also encouraged to seek further information from their dentist, GP or pharmacist or through a special toll free information line.
“Water fluoridation is safe and effective and helps protect everybody’s teeth against decay regardless of age, gender, income or education levels. In particular, children who live in fluoridated areas of Victoria experience considerably less decay than those in non-fluoridated areas,” he said.
Dr Hall said the introduction of fluoride to Horsham’s drinking water was supported by Wimmera Primary Care Partnership, Horsham Dental Group, Wimmera Healthcare Group, West Victoria Division of General Practice and the Horsham Community Oral Health Group.
GWMWater has been asked to begin planning to fluoridate the drinking water supplies of Horsham. Customers of GWMWater will be informed of progress.
Further information is available by calling 1800 651 723. Additional information about fluoridation is available by visiting www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/fluoridation.htm
The State Government is committed to improving the oral health of all Victorians.
In last year’s State budget an extra $97.2 million was allocated to dental health prevention and care initiatives including $3.8 million to extend water fluoridation throughout rural and regional Victoria.
Water fluoridation is supported by well-recognised Australian and international health organisations including the World Health Organisation, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian Dental Association and the Australian Medical Association, Dental Health Services Victoria, the Dental Therapists Association, the University of Melbourne School of Dental Science, the Royal Children’s Hospital Department of Dentistry, VicHealth, the Australian Centre for Human Health Risk Assessment, the Public Health Association of Australia, the Cancer Council of Victoria, Osteoporosis Australia and Arthritis Australia.
Media inquiries:
Bram Alexander, Human Services Media Unit, (03) 9616 8803, mobile 0412 260 811
|
