Taranaki DHB jubilant at water fluoridation decision for Patea & Waverley

11 December 2012

Taranaki DHB is delighted that the South Taranaki District Council (STDC) voted 10 -3 in favour of introducing fluoride into the Patea and Waverley water supplies yesterday.

The decision by the STDC has received praise from the DHB, local dentists and medical practitioners who understand the ramifications of this decision.

Dental Clinical Leader Dr David Antunovic said this is a great decision for the people of Patea and Waverley who will benefit from community water fluoridation and good oral health for life!

“Well done to the South Taranaki District Council for their common sense and evidence-based deliberations. I’d like to congratulate the councilors on their intelligent and courageous decision. Councilors had to wade through a huge amount of paper work and submissions to come to their conclusion,” he said.

“It is gratifying that the Council has chosen to take the advice of health professionals and experts in this field.”

”There is unequivocal evidence that adding that community water fluoridation to water is the safest and most effective way to protect and improve the dental health of the whole community, irrespective of their income, status or age,” said Dr Antunovic.

“We were able to show that the oral health of those living in Waverley and Patea were well below those of other parts of Taranaki, who have enjoyed fluoridated water for many years.

“We also had support from dental and medical professionals, our own board members, along with the Ministry of Health who all showed combined commitment to improving the oral health status of those living in Patea and Waverley.”

For more information please call
Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Tuesday, December 11, 2012