Florida Dental Association applauds fluoridation communities

Seven communities and organizations in Florida were recognized at the recent 2014 Community Water Fluoridation Awards for their efforts to support community water fluoridation, the Florida Dental Association announced.

The awards were presented at the National Oral Health Conference in Fort Worth, TX, by ADA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors.

The following are the Florida award winners:

• The Pinellas County Dental Association, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association, and Pinellas County Oral Health Coalition were recognized as a 2014 Fluoridation Merit Award winner for their efforts to support reinstating fluoridation to Pinellas County's community water following a 2011 Pinellas County Commission vote to discontinue water fluoridation. The united efforts of these three organizations were fundamental in changing the political landscape and reversing the commission's decision.
• The Tampa Bay Times also was recognized as a 2014 Fluoridation Merit Award winner for its continuous, fact-driven editorial writing in support of water fluoridation in Pinellas County.
• The city of Brooksville received a Community Fluoridation Reaffirmation Award in recognition of the Brooksville City Council's vote to reverse a 2011 decision to end the city's 25-year water fluoridation program.
• The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and Fort Pierce Utilities Authority were recognized for 50 years of public service in providing community water fluoridation.