ADAVB supports water fluoridation

The following statement has been provided by the ADA South Australian Branch to clarify that Dr Andrew Harms, who is involved in an anti-fluoridation campaign, is no longer an office bearer of the ADA (nor is he an ADA member) and his views do not represent those of the ADA:

“The Australian Dental Association South Australian Branch Inc. (ADASA) is surprised and disappointed the Dr Andrew Harms is described as a past president of the Australian Dental Association in South Australia in a leaflet for a Fluoride Forum and Debate on the 25th of October in Geelong.

It is correct that Dr Harms was the president of ADASA over 10 years ago in 1996. It is the opinion of ADASA that the term “Past President of ADASA” should only be used in accordance with ADASA policy or business when public statements are being made. Dr Harms’ anti fluoridation stance is clearly not ADASA policy or ADA Inc. policy.”

The ADAVB also continues to support water fluoridation as a highly effective means by which to improve the oral health of the community. ADAVB endorses the 2006 statement by the World Health Organisation, the World Dental Federation and the International Association for Dental Research that “universal access to fluoride for dental health is a part of the basic human right to health”.