Federation Internationale Dentaire and International Association for Dental Research

Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI): water fluoridation remains the most effective public health measure for preventing dental caries

The Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) brings together national dental associations from around the world in a joint effort to secure optimal oral health for everyone.  The FDI has consistently supported water fluoridation as a key element in the global strategy to combat dental caries.

In 2000, the FDI General Assembly reaffirmed its support in the following statement: “Fluoridation of water supplies, where possible, remains the most effective public health measure for the prevention of dental decay.  This is attributable to the fact that water is a dietary component required and used by everyone and therefore benefits all sectors of the community.  The only limitations to its use are a reliable and controllable water supply, which almost invariably means a centralised piped source of water.” (1)

In 2008, at its meeting in Stockholm, the FDI General Assembly issued a further statement in support of water fluoridation.  It said: “Over sixty years of research and recent systematic reviews have shown that water fluoridation is an effective and efficient public health measure for the prevention of dental decay. Water fluoridation is particularly appropriate for populations demonstrating moderate to high risk of dental decay.” (2)

International Association for Dental Research (IADR): full endorses and strongly recommends water fluoridation for improving oral health

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has consistently supported water fluoridation as a means of reducing dental caries.  At the 8th World Congress of Preventive Dentistry in 2005, which was co-sponsored by the IADR, delegates agreed the following resolution on fluoridation:  “The International Association for Dental Research (IADR), considering that dental caries (tooth decay) ranks among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide; and recognising that the consequences of tooth decay include pain, suffering, infection, tooth loss, and the subsequent need for costly restorative treatment; and taking into account that over 50 years of research have clearly demonstrated its efficacy and safety; and noting that numerous national and international health-related organisations endorse fluoridation of water supplies; fully endorses and strongly recommends the practice of water fluoridation for improving the oral health of nations.” (3)

1. Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) (2000): Fluoride and dental caries.  Adopted by the FDI General Assembly, November 2000, Paris.

2. Fédération Dentaire Internationale (FDI) (2008):  Promoting dental health through water fluoridation.  Adopted by the FDI General Assembly,  September 2008, Stockholm.

3. World Congress of Preventive Dentistry (2005): The Liverpool declaration – promoting oral health in the 21st century.  Event organised by the International Association for Dental Research, the World Health Organisation, the European Association of Dental Public Health, and the British Association for the Study of of Community Dentistry.  Liverpool.  United Kingdom.