Recent News
November 22, 2019
CDC awards Missouri public water systems for fluoridation quality
For Immediate Release:
Nov. 22, 2019
Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Chief, Office of Public Information
Missouri DHSS of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has announced that 15 Missouri public water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. 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 2018. Those communities are as follows:
- Branson, Missouri
- Brookfield, Missouri
- Cameron, Missouri
- Cole County PWSD #1 - Jefferson City, Missouri
- Cole County PWSD #4 - Jefferson City, Missouri
- Eureka, Missouri
- Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
- Hannibal, Missouri
- Jefferson County PWSD #8 – Cedar Hill, Missouri
- Liberty, Missouri
- Miner, Missouri
- Perryville, Missouri
- Slater, Missouri
- Saint Joseph, Missouri
- Unionville, Missouri
For 2018, a total of 1,656 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. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults.” states Casey Hannan, MPH, Acting Director, CDC Division of Oral Health.
Fluoridation is highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every dollar a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved 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.
More information about oral health
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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 http://health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo.
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