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Draft NHMRC Public Statement 2017: Water fluoridation and human health in Australia submission

ID: 
11
This submission reflects the views of
Organisation Name: 
British Fluoridation Society
Personal Details
Question 1
Q1. A. The draft Public Statement is presented in a format and manner that is useful, and is easy to read and understand: 
Agree
Comments on a particular section of the Public Statement: 
Question 2
Q2. A. The boxed ‘NHMRC statement’ (page one) in the draft Public Statement is justified and supported by the evidence in the Information Paper: Effects of Water Fluoridation on Dental and Other Human Health Outcomes : 
Agree
Question 3
Q3. A. For policy makers, the draft Public Statement provides sufficient information to support decision making in your jurisdiction or local area: 
Agree
Comments on a particular section of the Public Statement: 
Question 4
Q4. How could the Public Statement be effectively disseminated?: 
Who would find the draft Public Statement useful?

The Public Statement would be useful for any public body considering water fluoridation as a cost-effective method of improving oral health.  It would be used by professional advisers to such a body as an up to date review of the evidence carried out by an independent academic organisation in the field of evaluating research findings.  It would also be used to refute allegations that water fluoridation is ineffective or harmful by those opposed to fluoridation.  It could be used as a stand-alone text or to direct those wishing for more detailed information to where they may find it.

The British Fluoridation Society is a body established to advocate water fluoridation to public health bodies and the general public.  It needs to be up to date in its knowledge of any changes in the evidence in relation to effectiveness and safety.  As a body mainly consisting of health professions we would not wish to be promoting a measure that was found to be ineffective or harmful.  We will find this Public Statement from a respected body such as NHMRC very useful in assisting our Local Authorities to reach an informed decision on fluoridation.  We will promote its existence widely.

How could they be informed about the draft Public Statement?

Interested parties would be directed to the statement by those employed to advise on public health issues related to oral health or individually by using an internet search engine.

How could they easily access/obtain the draft Public Statement?

It could be accessed directly through the internet or by requesting a copy from professional advisers to health bodies.  The British Fluoridation Society will put a link to it on our website and encourage others to do so.

Question 5
Q5. Is there any other information that may be useful to include in the draft Public Statement? If so, please provide details: 

As far as the British Fluoridation Society is concerned the Public Statement contains all the essential information required.  It also directs those who want further information as to where that information may be found.

Page reviewed: 9 November, 2017