DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that nine Iowa communities have been awarded the Certificate of Appreciation – 50 Year Award from the American Dental Association (ADA), Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for continuously adjusting and maintaining the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water from 1968-2018 to prevent tooth decay. These communities are Allison Water Supply, Atlantic Municipal Utilities, Eldridge Water Supply, Fort Madison Municipal Water Works, Iowa Falls Water Department, Kalona Water Department, Milford Municipal Utilities, Spirit Lake Waterworks and Woodbine Water Department.
“Water fluoridation is a proven method that decreases dental decay. There is benefit for both children and adults; it further helps to drive down costs and unnecessary dental treatment,” said IDPH Dental Director, Dr. Bob Russell.
Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. Today, 74% of Americans and 70% of Iowans served by community water systems have access to optimally fluoridated water. Even with the availability of other fluoride-containing products, fluoridated water prevents approximately 25% of tooth decay in children and adults.
IDPH supports CDC approved fluoridation programs. The IDPH Bureau of Oral and Health Delivery Systems monitors the fluoride levels of Iowa communities and provides information and assistance to water supply professionals, healthcare professionals, and the public. To see the current fluoridation status of Iowa communities, visit the CDC website – My Water’s Fluoride.”
