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Supporting individuals and organisations involved in implementation of community water fluoridation

The Fluoride And Caring for Children’s Teeth (FACCT) study was initiated to determine the effect of the change in water fluoridation policy (2007) on dental caries (tooth decay) and enamel fluorosis (marks on tooth enamel which are associated with fluoride) in Irish children, while also considering the change in policy on the use of fluoride containing toothpastes (2002). During the design and conduct of the study we established links with personnel working in the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Cork County Council and have identified these as important groups for dissemination of the FACCT study results. Those who through their work are required to enact or support the policy of water fluoridation would welcome support in their interactions with the public on the sometimes controversial issue of water fluoridation.
We will work with these people and groups to determine the best way to share the results of the FACCT study in a meaningful way. We will organise a number of workshops for the relevant groups where we will discuss and agree the best way to mobilise our knowledge to support them in their work and in their interactions with the public.
We will evaluate the impact that the materials produced through this project have on the groups involved. It is anticipated that as a result of co-creating the resources, these groups will know more about water fluoridation and will feel more confident and supported in discussing water fluoridation with people they encounter as part of their work.