Scottish Dental Health Expert Calls for Water Fluoridation Review

Urgent Need for Public Consultation on Dental Decay Prevention

In a recent article published by The Scotsman, a senior public health academic has urged Scottish political leaders to consider a comprehensive review of water fluoridation as a potential solution to Scotland’s dental health challenges. Professor David Conway from the University of Glasgow has specifically called for a thorough public consultation on adding fluoride to drinking water, highlighting the country’s significant dental decay rates.

Scientific Consensus and Public Health Perspective

The article notes that multiple health organizations support water fluoridation, including the British Dental Association and Scottish Health Boards’ Consultants in Dental Public Health. Notably, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the US has previously recognized water fluoridation as one of the ten most significant public health interventions of the 20th century.

Current Landscape and Political Implications

Currently, approximately six million people in England already benefit from water fluoridation schemes, primarily in the West Midlands and north-east regions. Scottish health boards have the ability to request fluoride addition to water supplies, provided they can demonstrate public support.

Professor Conway emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach, stating: “It should really be a settled issue by now. The evidence of the benefits and lack of evidence of the harms of fluoridation of water to recommended levels is clear.”

Potential Political Movement

The potential for change may lie in upcoming political developments. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, a former dental school student of Professor Conway, could be a key figure in advancing this initiative if successful in the 2026 Holyrood election.

Robert Donald, chair of the BDA’s Scottish council, underscored the urgency, commenting: “The US looks set to blindly row back on the huge gains made with water fluoridation. Scotland needs to double down on prevention.”

Government Response and Alternative Approaches

The Scottish Government has previously expressed reservations, suggesting that the “practicalities” of fluoridation are challenging and that alternative solutions like the Childsmile community health project are more achievable.

Scottish Labour’s dental spokesperson, Paul Sweeney, indicated a measured approach, noting that “Scottish Labour has a democratic process within the party to develop policy and any proposal would need to be considered through that process.”

Broader Context and Future Considerations

The discussion comes at a time of global reconsideration of water fluoridation, particularly in light of recent statements by Robert F Kennedy Jnr, president-elect Donald Trump’s pick for head of the American Department for Health and Human Services, who has suggested removing fluoride from US tap water.

Professor Conway recommends a comprehensive evaluation, suggesting “full assessment of the logistics and feasibility, including financial costs and benefits, of fluoridation of the public drinking water supply would be helpful to fully inform this discussion.”