Successful Fluoridation Outcome - The Role of Community Consultation and Participation

In New South Wales (NSW), under the Fluoridation Public Water Supplies Act, the responsibility to implement water fluoridation rests with local government authorities (Councils). Although 90% of the NSW population has access to fluoridated water, only 59% of the rural population have access to fluoridated water. Since 2003, NSW Health has been proactive in promoting water fluoridation to many rural towns in an attempt to reduce inequalities in oral health. This has resulted in 12 Councils currently progressing towards water fluoridation. Objective: To describe the process by which the Mid Western Regional Council decided to fluoridate the townships of Mudgee and Gulgong. Method: Mid Western Regional Council, with assistance from NSW Health, facilitated an extensive communication and consultative process with Mudgee and Gulgong communities concerning fluoridation from November to April 2005. These strategies included: (1) convening public forums where scientific information on water fluoridation was presented and giving community members the opportunity to ask questions or present alternative views, (2) information on water fluoridation was also provided through the local media and via Council offices, and (3) inviting residents and health professionals to submit written submissions. After the information program, Council commissioned the Western Research Institute (WRI) to conduct an independent survey (via telephone and via face-to-face interviews) to assess community attitudes to fluoridation. Results: 54% of respondents wanted the town water supply to be fluoridated, 25% did not, and 21% responded “don't' know”. 60% of the respondents claimed to be informed about fluoridation and 59% of these wanted fluoridation. Council formally considered the issue of water fluoridation in June 2005 and Council resolved to implement fluoridation in Mudgee and Gulgong. Conclusion: Informing people about fluoridation tends to increase the ‘yes' response at the expense of those who said ‘don't know'.