Two Wisconsin communities earn water fluoridation awards
WEST ALLIS, WIS., Sept. 29, 2008 – The cities of Cedarburg in Ozaukee County and Green Bay in Brown County are being recognized nationally for 50 years of continuous public water fluoridation.
The American Dental Association, Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sponsor the annual awards which recognize a select number of states and communities for helping prevent tooth decay through local water fluoridation efforts.
“We are pleased these Wisconsin communities have been singled out as water fluoridation award recipients,” says Wisconsin Dental Association President Dr. Monica Hebl, a general dentist in Milwaukee. “Local public health coalition members throughout the state devote a great deal of effort to bringing the oral health benefits of water fluoridation to as many communities as possible.”
The CDC recently announced nearly 70 percent of U.S. residents, or about 184 million people, who get their water from community water supplies now receive fluoridated water. The goal is to have 75 percent of U.S. residents who are on community water systems receiving fluoridated water by 2010.
Wisconsin is a national leader in fluoridation. Currently, 89 percent of state residents on community water systems receive fluoridated water.
Fluoride, a naturally-occurring compound in the environment, can reduce or prevent tooth decay. Adding or maintaining optimal levels of fluoride in drinking water is a safe and effective public health practice.
The CDC identifies water fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. It is particularly important for children and adults who lack adequate access to dental care.
“Water fluoridation is safe, effective and economical. It benefits the oral health of all residents, regardless of their income. It is by far one of the best investments for the nation's public health dollar,” Hebl says.
Established in 1870, the Wisconsin Dental Association, Inc. is headquartered in West Allis. With more than 2,900 members statewide, the WDA represents the vast majority of practicing dentists in Wisconsin. Its members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA is one of 53 constituent (state-territorial) dental societies of the American Dental Association - the largest and oldest national dental association in the world. For more information on the WDA, call 414-276-4520 or visit
www.wda.org.