Community Water Fluoridation

In 1952, the Town of Fries and the City of Lynchburg were the first communities to begin water fluoridation in Virginia. Approximately, 5.7 million Virginians drink water that has fluoride adjusted to the recommended level. This figure represents 81% of the state total population (See below). Fluoridation is viewed as the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. Recent national studies indicate that water fluoridation will reduce dental decay in permanent teeth by approximately 17 to 40 percent. The average yearly cost of community water fluoridation in the United States is $.51 per person.

Division of Dental Health supports fluoridation in Virginia through:

• Monitoring water systems for compliance in conjunction with Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water.
• Reporting water system data to the Center's for Disease Control and
  Prevention Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS.)
• Providing information about the benefits of fluoridation to citizens and communities.
• Providing grant funding for communities to start or upgrade fluoridation equipment for water systems.

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