British Fluoridation Society Launches Essay Competition
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- Published: Wednesday, 15 March 2023 11:30
- Written by Peter Ingle
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The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) has launched an essay competition to champion water fluoridation. Aimed at the next generation of health professionals it is intended to make the case for more nationwide community water fluoridation.
The competition for dental care professionals, dental undergraduates and postgraduates, and comes with a cash prize for each group ranging from £500 to £1000.
The essay question is, "Water fluoridation is seen as a success in cities such as Birmingham and Newcastle. How would you ensure that such success is replicated throughout the rest of the United Kingdom?"
Despite the first UK community schemes being set up in the 1950’s, and judged to be successful, only 10% of the UK population currently drinks fluoridated water. These communities are benefitting from schemes that were introduced many decades ago.
Each entry will be judged by an editorial panel led by Professor Damien Walmsley, dental practitioner and executive member of the BFS. He explained why the essay competition had been launched, “We know that water fluoridation plays a significant role in preventing tooth decay and securing good dental health for all. Despite its long history as a successful oral health intervention, only 10% of the UK population currently drinks fluoridated water.”
“Through the BFS essay competition, we hope to receive fresh ideas connected to communicating and sharing the benefits of this unique public health intervention for people living in the UK.”
The closing date for entries is August 31st 2023. Once the judging is complete, all three competition winners will be announced and presented with their prizes at the BFS AGM in 2024.
The BFS is keen to encourage new interest in water fluoridation by targeting a new generation of dental care students and professionals. As Barry Cockcroft, BFS chair and former chief dental officer for England, explained: “Globally, more than four hundred million people have access to fluoridated water, and we are seeing an increase in political enthusiasm, including here in the UK, for more community water fluoridation schemes.”
He hoped the competition would, “raise the profile of fluoridation within and without the profession.” Due to the long period since any new UK schemes were introduced, the BFS feels that the competition will stimulate interest in fluoridation, and in the words of the former CDO encourage colleagues to, “get involved, put their thinking caps on and pen an essay.”
Full details of the essay prizes and application rules can be found at: https://bfsweb.org/the-british-fluoridation-essay-prizes/
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