John Broughton 

Te Ao M?rama, the New Zealand M?ori Dental Association is committed to reducing oral health inequalities in health, and therefore support the proposal to fluoridate the reticulated water supply in the Otago and Southland Districts. The fluoridation of water supplies is a very significant public health strategy to protect the oral health of the population. Dental decay is a painful affliction that interferes with a person’s day-to-day functioning, and given that the pre-school years are extremely important for crucial developmental stages of learning, every avenue must be available to combat dental disease. Any measure that assists in reducing oral disease must be supported.  The life course approach has clearly shown that dental disease in children and young people tends to continue throughout life.

Te Ao M?rama, the New Zealand M?ori Dental Association is very pleased that the Otago and Southland District Health Boards are supporting the fluoridation policy articulated by the government. Therefore, as an association that is committed to improving oral health for not only M?ori, but all people, we have no hesitation in supporting the current initiatives.

John Broughton

BSc (Massey), BDS, PGDipCommDent, PhD (Otago)

Te Ao M?rama