Coloma in Waushara County, Monona in Dane County and Shullsburg in Lafayette County were recognized for 50 years of continuous water fluoridation.

Antigo in Langlade County received a Community Fluoridation Reaffirmation Award after residents voted in April 2006 to continue fluoridating the local public water supply at the level recommended for public health benefits.

Antigo was the subject of a landmark, scientific study in the early 1960s when it discontinued the optimal fluoridation of its public water supply. Within five years, Antigo second graders experienced a 200 percent increase in tooth decay and optimal fluoridation of public water soon resumed. This study’s dramatic results are still referred to by dental educators worldwide.

The American Dental Association (ADA), Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsor the annual awards which recognize a select number states for helping prevent tooth decay through water fluoridation efforts in their communities.

“We are pleased these Wisconsin communities have been singled out as water fluoridation award recipients,” says Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) President Dr. Eva Dahl, an endodontist in Onalaska. “Coalition members throughout Wisconsin devote a great deal of effort to bringing the oral health benefits of water fluoridation to as many communities as possible.”

Optimally fluoridated water supplies help improve the dental health of more than 170 million people nationwide. The CDC identifies water fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. It is particularly important for Americans, especially children, who lack adequate access to dental care.

“Water fluoridation is safe, effective and economical. It is, by far, one of the best investments for the nation's public health dollar,” Dahl says.

Established in 1870, the WDA is headquartered in West Allis. With more than 2,900 members, the WDA represents the vast majority of practicing dentists in Wisconsin. Members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. The WDA is one of 53 state-territorial dental societies of the ADA - the largest and oldest national dental association in the world. For more information, call 414-276-4520 or visit www.wda.org.

SOURCE: Wisconsin Dental Association

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