Recent News
January 16, 2019
CDC awards Missouri public water systems for fluoridation quality
For Immediate Release:
January 16, 2019
Contact:
Lisa Cox
Office of Public Information
MediaInfo@health.mo.gov
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has announced that 13 public water systems in Missouri have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities that achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2017. Those communities are as follows:
- Branson, Missouri
- Cameron, Missouri
- Cole County PWSD #4-Jefferson City, Missouri
- Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
- Jackson, Missouri
- Jefferson City, Missouri
- Kahoka, Missouri
- Perryville, Missouri
- Poplar Bluff, Missouri
- Portageville, Missouri
- Salisbury, Missouri
- Slater, Missouri
- Unionville, Missouri
For 2017, a total of 1,499 public water systems in 30 states received these awards, including those in Missouri.
“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens,” stated Casey Hannan, MPH, Acting Director of the Division of Oral Health in the CDC. “It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults.”
Fluoridation is highly cost-effective. Studies continue to show that for each dollar invested in water fluoridation, the community saves $38 in dental treatment costs.
Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health overall.
About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo.
###