Pete HodgsonSouthern District Health Board chairman Pete Hodgson has reiterated his offer to the Government for the region to be a test case for compulsory fluoridation of drinking water. Yesterday a board committee meeting was briefed by dental public health specialist Dr Rob Beaglehole on a range of public health issues, which included fluoridation. Dr Beaglehole, a leading advocate for a tax on sugary drinks was, unsurprisingly, all in favour of efforts to increase use of fluoride, and said scientific proof it helped prevent tooth decay was incontrovertible. Mr Hodgson urged Dr Beaglehole to advocate Southern’s case in Wellington. Dr Beaglehole said he would discuss the issue with the ministry’s chief dental officer.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 02, 2021 16:32 UTC