The Science of Community Water Fluoridation & Fact-Based Advocacy

This dynamic training will provide an overview of the public health impact of community water fluoridation, including the impact of discontinuation, the status of community water fluoridation (CWF) in the U.S. and the basics of advocacy and education to support fluoridation.  This will include a review of fluoride’s benefits, evidence-based science which supports CWF as effective and safe, and an overview of CWF opponents’ claims of harms caused by fluoride, as well as current opponent activity.  Discussion will include specific opponent claim construction and demonstrable means to counter these claims.  Communications will be covered, including how to avoid reinforcing the claims of opponents.  Water management role and local decision-making processes will be discussed.  Credible CWS fluoridation information sources will be noted.