Local Cities Recognized for Excellence in Water Fluoridation

Black Hawk County Public Health’s I-Smile Program presented certificates to the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls in recognition of the Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the fourth year in a row for both cities to receive this recognition.

The award recognizes communities that achieve excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2022. Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay.

CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. It is estimated that for every dollar a community invests in water fluoridation, more than $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.

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Unfortunately, even with optimal fluoridation in two of the largest communities in Black Hawk County, the county still leads the state in the rate of childhood tooth decay, with more than 1 in 3 children having cavities. The I-Smile @School program visits local elementary schools to conduct oral health screenings, provide fluoride and varnish, and navigate children to dental treatment if necessary.

Finding providers that accept Medicaid, can often be an issue for public health staff and the families they serve. “Fluoridation of water is an important step in maintaining the oral health of our community,” said Director Kaitlin Emrich. “However, access to dental treatment is a major health equity concern. Families with Medicaid or no insurance face long delays in treatment which can impact a child’s quality of life and ability to learn.”

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