Who Supports Fluoridation?

Over 100 authoritative, reputable, and respected medical and professional organizations* endorse what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) calls one of "The Ten Great Public Health Achievements" of the 20th century.  These include:

• The American Medical, Dental, and Nurses Associations;
• American Water Works Association, of which the Yarmouth Water Department is a member;
• The Centers for Disease Control;
  
• Office of the Surgeon General;
• American Academy of Pediatrics;
  
• American Cancer Society;
  
• National Kidney Foundation; the World Health Organization (WHO); the Massachusetts Medical and Dental Societies; and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
  

Again, it bears repeating that 170 million people nationwide, and nearly 4 million people in 139 communities in Massachusetts (a recent addition being the city of New Bedford and its 93,000 residents), many for over half a century now, are testament to the effectiveness and safety of fluoridation.  More will be benefiting through achievement of the goals of "Healthy People 2010" of the CDC, with more information at this link, Healthy People.

*For a more extensive list, go to this portion of the ADA website.

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Here in town both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Health voted to support fluoridation, with present-Chairwoman McAuliffe showing support by saying at the January 9, 2007 meeting of the Board of Selectmen to then-Chairman of the Board of Health Dr. Gordon, prior to the selectmen's unanimous vote and in anticipation of uniformed, unfounded naysaying,

     "I think that we [the Board of Selectmen] need to share some of
     the heat that's going to be generated, and some of that responsibility...
     we also don't want to leave you dangling out there without the support
     that you need... You certainly need someone to help with that... we can't 
     expect our boards to go out and necessarily assume responsibility for
     something the town wants done."

Dr. Gordon replied, "That position is very much appreciated."

Selectman Sullivan added, "What I would suggest to assist the board of 
     health that the board of selectmen consider adopting a policy, or a
     statement, that we will support the board of health’s decision if they
     decide to start the process to implement fluoridation."

Selectman Groskopf: "Nevertheless we need a formal motion for the
     record."

Selectman Marasco: "I'd like to make a motion that we as a board of                
     selectmen endorse the recommendations of the Massachusetts
     Commission [DPH] for fluoridation of the water at the recommended 
     levels."

Then-Chairman Saben: "All those in favor?"

Selectmen: "Aye." 

Chairman Saben: "It's unanimous."

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The Cape legislative delegation representing Yarmouth, who regularly confront the issues of health care costs and health care access here on the Cape and on Beacon Hill, all recognize the health benefits of fluoridation, especially for underserved populations, as well as the economic benefits of fluoridation and what that means in saving tax dollars.  Sen. Robert O'Leary and Reps. Cleon Turner and Demetrius Atsalis all support community water fluoridation.

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Area physicians, dentists, and human service organizations not only endorse community water fluoridation, but also see up front on a daily basis the need for it.  Tooth decay is preventable, after all, and prevention is basic to good health care.  Here are but some of those professionals in and around town who urge "Yes on Question 6!":

*William N. Gagnon, DMD   *Jefferson S. Dexter, DMD    *Peter Amorosi, DMD

*Lee R. Johnson, DMD        *Elaine H. Madden, RDH, MEd., Coordinator, Dental
                                             Hygiene Program, Cape Cod Community College

*Walter T. Rymzo, Jr., MD  *BL Hathaway, Coordinator, Tri-County Community
                                               of Oral Health Excellence

*William J. Marasco, MD     *Bass River Pediatric Associates
                                              -Mathew H. Baldasaro, DO, Kenneth P. Colmer, MD,
*Peter Laband, DMD             -Karin R. Gilbert, MD, Paul L. Marz, MD, Lori Zito, MD