Taranaki DHB disappointed with decision to remove fluoride from drinking water

The New Plymouth District Council decision to stop fluoridating drinking water in New Plymouth has disappointed the Taranaki DHB health officials.

Taranaki DHB Dental Clinical Leader, Dr David Antunovic, said the New Plymouth District Council’s decision to cease fluoridation of drinking water in the New Plymouth District was a poor one that would have significant effects on oral health.

“Taranaki DHB supports the Ministry of Health’s position recommending the fluoridation of drinking water supplies to provide protection against tooth decay.”

“Our dentists, dental therapists and public health teams are very disappointed in the decision because they understand the importance of fluoridation in preventing tooth decay,” he said.

“Water fluoridation is an effective strategy for reducing tooth decay, especially for those at risk of poorer health outcomes. The expected worsening in oral health will not be evenly impact the New Plymouth population, but will most severely affect the young, the poor and Maori.”

“This decision means that we will soon be in a very difficult position of trying to cope with an increase in dental health needs. This can be only be addressed by reprioritising resources into the dental service from other health services or by simply accepting an increase in unmet oral health needs, neither option is palatable for our patients,” said Dr Antunovic.

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Last updated: Friday, October 14, 2011