Cost effectiveness of water fluoridation

The format of this page is

• A summary of the key points relevant up to 2020
• An online and printable version of the 2012/3 publication “one in a million”
• A summary of the main points raised by more recent papers and reports
• Access to a list of the key papers and reports published since 2012/3
• Access to an archive of other reports etc.

• The World Health Organisation states that “Community water fluoridation is safe and cost-effective and should be introduced and maintained where ever is it socially acceptable and feasible”. (1)
• Studies suggest that, in terms of cost, effect and the certainty of that effect, the most cost-effective policy for reducing tooth decay is fluoridation of water supplies.
• The higher the incidence of tooth decay before fluoridation starts and the larger the population to be served, the greater the economic benefits are likely to be.
• In the parts of the UK where tooth decay remains a significant public heath problem, patients and the NHS economy would benefit hugely from water fluoridation.