The national fluoride information centre is an academically independent unit that provides objective information on all aspects of fluorides and fluoridation. It does not lobby in favour of or against water fluoridation. Based at the university of Manchester, all information it provides is derived from scientific literature and has been reviewed by independent scientific experts before being placed on its website. We are therefore confident of the accuracy of the information provided.
The centre also has an independent advisory board that reviews the NFIC’s activity. This board includes officers from the Department.
We do not consider that a further study is necessary to update the data gained from the York study on fluoridation. In the light of the findings of the York report, the Department commissioned the Medical Research Council to consider what further research was required to improve knowledge about fluoridation and health.
In 2002, the MRC published the report of its working group and since then a number of its research recommendations either have been completed or are currently being undertaken. In addition, the NFIC, in association with the oral health unit for England, is developing scientific protocols to monitor all aspects of water fluoridation through research following the York review guidelines.
We are aware that North West strategic health authority and South Central SHA are currently exploring the feasibility of fluoridating water supplies in their areas in consultation with their local water undertakers.
Greater Manchester primary care trust and Southampton PCT have asked their respective SHAs to investigate the feasibility of fluoridating their water supplies.