City of Midwest City

The Public Works Administration was recently recognized with a certificate of appreciation for 50 years of community water fluoridation.

This national award, given annually by the American Dental Association and Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recognizes public water systems that reach 50 years of continuous water fluoridation during the past calendar year. Midwest City began fluoridating water in 1961 to help reduce the amount of dental diseases. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, dental diseases are among the most prevalent health problems in Oklahoma.

“The Oklahoma State Department supports community water fluoridation and recognizes the practice as safe, cost-effective and beneficial to all. For more than 65 years, fluoridated water has resulted in a remarkable decline in the prevalence and severity of dental decay,” said Dr. Jana Winfree, Chief of the Dental Health Service at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recognizes community water fluoridation as one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century. Widespread community water fluoridation prevents cavities and saves money.

“The health department promotes the retention and/or the implementation of the practice in all qualifying Oklahoma communities,” said Dr. Winfree.

Oral health has been attributed as a direct factor in overall health. Midwest City will be honored for their support and promotion of a healthy community.

For more information on community water fluoridation, visit the Center for Disease Control website, “My Water’s Fluoride” at http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov.