Community Water Fluoridation Consultation – DHSC

The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking views on expanding community water fluoridation schemes in the north east with new arrangements or by varying existing arrangements.

The Health and Care Act 2022 provides powers for the Secretary of State to introduce, vary and terminate community water fluoridation schemes.

‘Faster, simpler and fairer: their plan to recover and reform NHS dentistry’ sets out a focus on prevention of tooth decay.

This includes the long-term ambition to systematically bring water fluoridation to more of the country, with a particular focus on the most deprived areas, which stand to benefit most.

Before using these powers, public consultation is required on the proposal.

They are consulting on a proposal to request the relevant water company to enter into new fluoridation arrangements, and to vary existing agreements, in order to expand community water fluoridation schemes across the north east of England.

This is because of the significant and long-standing inequalities in the region and is part of the government’s plan to improve dental health. 

You can find details on the proposal and whether you are affected in the full consultation document (link below).

The consultation period will close at 11:59pm on 17 June 2024.

Please review the full consultation page before completing this survey.

Useful Documents

Attached is a copy of the response which was compiled for the Health and Wellbeing Board for the Community Water Fluoridation Consultation.

If you wish to use this response as a template, please remember to amend some of the answers, i.e., name of organisation or board/group or to an individual response.

We have also provided some documents which you may wish to upload as supporting documents.

• North East Water Fluoridation – Summary of Evidence
• Position Statement – NE Water Fluoridation
• ST CWF Response
• Summary Oral Health Needs Assessment