21 June 2006

Celebrating 50 years of fluoridation in NSW

Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos today joined the local community of Yass, Yass Valley Council and the Australian Dental Association, in celebrating 50 years of fluoridation in NSW.

It was June 1956 when Yass introduced fluoride into its public water supplies, giving its community access to what the United States of America Centre for Disease Control has labelled one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.

Mr Hatzistergos said water fluoridation is a preventative oral health measure that can reduce dental decay in children by up to 60 per cent - it is endorsed by many peak bodies including the World Health Organization and supported by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council.

As part of the $40 million oral health package announced in the 2006/07 Budget, the NSW Government will see:

• $150,000 on fluoridation giving 250,000 more people drinking fluoridated water
• Lismore Council fluoridate their water, and
• discussions underway with a further six councils to fluoridate their water by 2007-10.

"We will continue to fund 100 per cent of the capital cost associated with any council's decision to fluoridate its public water supplies," Mr Hatzistergos explained.

"This will result in 98 per cent of the NSW population drinking fluoridated water."

Mr Hatzistergos also thanked Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) for its production of a short DVD focusing on the history and benefits of water fluoridation.

The DVD will be a useful educational tool for NSW Health, the University of Sydney, dental practitioners, and people accessing the ADA website.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au