Media Release

Date: 18 September 2013

Ongoing Personal Attacks On Dhb Staff Over Fluoride

There will be no Waikato District Health Board (DHB) staff attending a Hamilton City Council-organised public meeting about community water fluoridation on Monday 30 September.

Waikato DHB chief executive Craig Climo says the major reason for that is simple: "My team are the subject of ongoing personal attacks from the anti-fluoridationists and I won't expose them further.”

Population Health Medical Officer of Health Dr Felicity Dumble said city councillors asked their staff to organise the meeting after they decided to hold a referendum on adding fluoride to the public water supply.

The meeting’s purpose would be to provide an opportunity for Waikato DHB and Fluoride Free Hamilton to present their positions on the referendum question.

“Past experience tells us that these meetings are disrupted by those opposed and it is an unpleasant experience for the health professionals who attend trying to get the science across to an audience who have fixed opinions based on misinformation,” said Dr Dumble.

“We’re well past arguing about the science and the reality is fluoride has been in Hamilton’s water supply for nearly 50 years with the only health effect being less tooth decay.”

She said those who are genuinely interested about which way to vote in the referendum, should arm themselves with sound and scientific advice which could be obtained from the Ministry of Health, Waikato DHB, National Fluoride Information Service and other reputable health organisation’s websites and advertising.

Dr Dumble said she was frustrated by claims that Waikato DHB agreed to there being a tribunal process in the first instance.

“Last year, when the Hamilton City Council was considering how to address the community water fluoridation issue, the Waikato DHB recommended they consult with the public through a referendum – not a tribunal,” said Dr Dumble.

“The research still supports the safety and effectiveness of community water fluoridation, but it needs to be acceptable to the community as well.”

She said Waikato DHB advised the council not to use the tribunal format strongly supported by those opposed to community water fluoridation as it distorts the balance of opinion on the matter.

“A small vocal minority is given the same weight as the vast majority of dentists, doctors and scientists regarding the issues of oral health, medicine and the science.

“The DHB encourages every eligible voter to have their say on the issue now the Hamilton City Council is giving them the opportunity.”

Visit www.waikatodhb.health/nz/fluoride or www.fluoridefacts.govt.nz for more information.

ENDS