ANTI-FLUORIDATION MESSAGES HIT SOCIAL MEDIA SITES

The age-old battle of fluoridation VS no fluoridation is now invading the internet using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other platforms.  The media-savvy anti-fluoridationists have been making themselves heard via internet sites for several years.  Last fall the ADA House of Delegates approved Resolution 101H-2014, allocating $500,000 for improved public awareness, marketing, and advertising online.   A portion of the money will be used to promote the positive, safe effects of community water fluoridation via social media.

The Resolution, the result of work by local dentists in Massachusetts who have seen increased anti-fluoridation efforts in their state for the past few years, was introduced to the House of Delegates by the First District Trustee District caucus.  Statistics available through the ADA attest that 46 states have faced challenges to community water supply fluoridation since 2011.  The ADA’s media campaign will aggressively promote the positives of community water fluoridation including safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness, and correct misinformation which anti-fluoridationists are distributing to local officials, policymakers, citizens, and non-dental health care providers across the country.

Your Health: Fluoridation Toolkits are available to help dentists combat the campaign of misinformation alarming the public about water fluoridation.   Developed by experts through the ADA, these kits contain over 30 ready-to-use resources plus tips on social media use and are available to help initiate or retain pro-fluoridation programs.  Contact your local or state dental society for more information about the toolkits.  Additionally, technical assistance for a fluoridation campaign is available from Jane McGinley, Manager, Fluoridation and Preventive Health Activities for the ADA’s Council on Access, Prevention, and Inter-professional Relations at mcginleyj@ada.org.