School water fluoridation

Abstract

In areas lacking public water supplies and where fluoride is not naturally present in the well water, school fluoridation programs have been shown to be effective and safe. Reductions of up to 38.9% in the rate of dental decay have been reported. Higher levels of fluoride are used in the school water than in public water because of the limited time the children are in school. The relatively low cost of the necessary equipment and chemicals can easily be justified by taking into account the amount of dental decay that can be prevented. Interested parents, teachers, or administrators should contact their state health department for technical assistance.