Agenda item

The Members of the Joint Review Group, established by this Scrutiny committee to examine Childhood Obesity and Dental Health Care and any associated Mental Health Links submitted a report to make an interim recommendation in relation to any prospective water fluoridation scheme in Darlington.

The submitted report outlined the investigations of the Joint Review Group in relation to poor dental health outcomes in Darlington with strong links between the highest obesity rates and the poorest dental health being most prevalent in the most deprived areas of the Borough. 

It was also reported that dental decay was a significant public health problem in the North East and Darlington had levels of decay in children significantly higher than the average for England.

Joy Warren, Joint Co-ordinator, UK Freedom from Fluoride Alliance; and Alan Hall and Michael Watson, Members of the Public attended the meeting and were given an opportunity by the Chair to speak and express their concerns to the Members by the introduction of a water fluoridation scheme in Darlington.

Dr David Landes, Public Health England also attended the meeting and advised the Members that there was a long history of residents who drink fluoride naturally and that Hartlepool have had fluoridated water since the 1840’s and that there was a large body of evidence to show a reduction of dental disease in those areas; and areas which had a water fluoride scheme.  He advised that there was also a 59 per cent reduction in general levels of anaesthesia.  He also advised Members that a water fluoridation scheme would benefit those in the most deprived areas of the borough.

Glenis Harrison, Community Representative advised the Members that within her  Community Centre on a daily basis she sees poor dental health among the parents of young children and felt that there was an issue of parental education for them to be able to  take responsibility for the dental health care of their children.

Members agreed that dental decay was a global issue and that an issue authorities needed to examine was to narrow the gap on poor dental health and that water fluoridation could be a way to help.

The Director of Public Health confirmed that the recommendation of the Joint Review Group was to carry out a technical appraisal only and not to make a decision on any potential water fluoridation scheme at this time.

RESOLVED – That this Scrutiny Committee supports the joint work underway to gather information required for consideration about any prospective water fluoridation scheme in Darlington and recommends to Cabinet that it agrees to carry out a technical appraisal for consideration of a water fluoridation scheme in Darlington and/or the Tees Valley.