2008 has been a momentous year for our Oral Health Section. In addition to a robust program of lectures, panel discussions and poster sessions at APHA’s 136^th Annual Meeting in San Diego in October 2008 that was well-attended by our membership, two of the 12 policies adopted by the Governing Council were initiated by our Section. [For all policies, visit www.apha.org/advocacy/policy.]

1. Community Water Fluoridation in the United States (Policy 20087)

   This policy, submitted by the Oral Health Section, is a reaffirmation and updating of APHA’s previous policies supporting community water fluoridation (CWF). It uses the “position paper” policy format to give an extensive report of the current scientific and evidenced-based knowledge related to best public health practices. Developed by Howard Pollick, with support of the Oral Health Section, the policy statement includes 140 references, a measure of Howard’s thoroughness. As a position paper and policy statement, it  covers all aspects of fluoridation, including efficacy and safety, legal issues, alternative sources and supplements, side effects, cost-effectiveness. It carries the full weight of APHA as the nation’s premier multidisciplinary public health organization. The policy should serve you well in your efforts in advancing CWF. It’s a must-read for everyone promoting water fluoridation. Click here for the complete policy.

2. Opposition to Prophylactic Removal of Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth) (Policy 20085)

This policy, submitted by the Oral Health Section, is a position paper that concludes prophylactic removal of third molars is not supported by current evidence and is not recommended. The author of this policy shall be unnamed to protect my anonymity. It was adopted by the Governing Council after thorough review and modification by members of our Section and the Joint Policy Committee. An oral surgeon, representing the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, predictably opposed the policy at the Annual Meeting’s public hearing.

Click here for the complete policy. 

I am personally grateful and proud of our Oral Health Section for its support, of the Joint Policy Committee for recognizing the evidence-basis of the policy, and of the Governing Council for its final approval.

It is now up to us to make use of these policies, to disseminate information on why community water fluoridation should be universal and why prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth is not recommended. It is up to us to raise the health literacy ― the consciousness ― of the public and of stakeholders and decision-makers in making informed health care decisions.

Jay W. Friedman 

(drjfriedman@sbcglobal.net)