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Description
Fluoridation of community drinking water systems has been a staple of preventative dental care in the United States since the mid 20th century. In recent years, there has been increased public discourse pertaining to the safety and efficacy of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF). The aim of the proposed study is to identify if there is an association between the CWF status (never fluoridated, currently fluoridated, or formerly fluoridated) and oral health status of a community in New England. This study will be a retrospective cross-sectional study design using NHANES Oral Health Status Survey data from the 2007-2008 and 2017-2018 NHANES cycles. In preparation for this research, a systematic review of relevant research was performed. These studies describe an association between the presence of CWF and improved oral health status. Additionally, studies monitoring CWF cessation determined that oral health status declined in children aged 2 to 17 years of age following program cessation; when CWF was present, caries presence declined by approximately 25-30%. These studies provide the rationale for ongoing research surrounding the safety and efficacy of CWF in the New England region to ensure the greatest oral health benefits at the lowest level to ensure that there will be no adverse impacts.
Keywords: community water fluoridation (CWF), fluoride, oral health, dental caries, rural health, population health
Faculty Advisor(s)
Talmage Holmes, PhD
Publication Date
12-10-2025