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

ID: 
19
This submission reflects the views of
Organisation Name: 
Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
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?
  • Policy makers at all levels
  • Healthcare professionals, not limited to dental, oral health therapists and dental hygienists. Healthcare professionals in nutrition, paediatrics and general practice will also find the Public Statement useful.
  • Educational institutions.
  • Community members. This Public Statement is particularly useful for parents/carers of newborns and young children.
  • Industry, such as those involved in producing packaged water. Food Standards Australia New Zealand has approved the addition of fluoride to packaged water for use in areas where community water fluoridation is not available.
How could they be informed about the draft Public Statement?
  • NHMRC website and newsletters
  • Mass media
  • Relevant professional organisations
  • Healthcare providers
How could they easily access/obtain the draft Public Statement?
  • NHMRC website and newsletters
  • Mass media
  • Relevant professional organisations
  • Healthcare providers
General comments

The Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH) at the University of Adelaide supports the wide dissemination of the NHMRC Public Statement, ‘Water fluoridation and human health’. This Public Statement is based on scientific evidence that has been rigorously reviewed and summarised by the NHMRC. This evidence is contemporary and relevant to the context of Australia and comparable countries where community water fluoridation is being practised. This Public Statement will assist policy makers and community members to make informed decision in regards to maintaining and expanding community water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health program.

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

A sentence in the 4th paragraph, Section ‘Importance of community water fluoridation, states ‘Fluoridated water is the major source of fluoride intake’. It is suggested to change the word ‘intake’ to ‘exposure’.

Page reviewed: 9 November, 2017