The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) is the one organisation in the UK dedicated to supporting new and existing water fluoridation schemes. The late Labour MP Dick Crossman instigated the formation of the BFS in 1969. He was Secretary of State for Health and Social Services and could see that there was a need for an independent organisation to communicate objectively the benefits of water fluoridation.

BFS became the scientific and academic home of this important preventative measure which appeals to social justice campaigners wanting to create a fairer world. It is entirely independent. From its inception the Society has been a multi-disciplinary organisation and has enjoyed the support of the public, health-care professionals and politicians from all political parties.  Membership is open to individuals and organisations that support the Society’s aims.

The Society is keen to encourage supporters from up-and-coming generations or fellow professionals.  The BFS is therefore offering three annual essay prizes: one for dental undergraduates, one for dental postgraduates and the third for Dental Care Professionals (DCPs).

The next essay prize competition will run in 2026 at the earliest. Watch this space for details nearer the time.

The prize values:

• Undergraduate essay prize: £500
• Postgraduate essay prize: £1000
• DCP essay prize: £1000

Application Rules:

• The titles for the essay will be set by the panel of judges.
• Essays will be judged on content, style and presentation.
• Entrants may not enter previously published or presented work.
• The essay must be a piece of original work by the author.
• Entrants classified as undergraduate if so at announcement of the competition.
• Undergraduate prize for anyone not graduated or qualified; Postgraduate prize for degree graduates, DCP prize for all others.
• The British Fluoridation Society appoints the judges whose decision will be final.
• The prize will be awarded by the Executive of the British Fluoridation Society on the recommendation of the judges.
• The Society reserves the right to withhold the prize if the standard of the essays submitted is not of sufficient merit.
• The entrant who submits a winning essay may be invited to a BFS national meeting for the presentation of the prize.
• Registration, accommodation and travel costs will be paid.
• The British Fluoridation Society shall have the right to publish any essay submitted in part or full in a recognised dental journal.
• The winner must permit the publication of their photographs for the purpose of promoting the British Fluoridation Society.
• The essay must be written in English and shall not exceed 3000 words (not including references, tables and figures or the title. Sub-headings are included in the word count). It must be typed in double spacing and suitable for electronic submission.
• Pages must be preceded by a title page.
• One copy of the essay shall be submitted.