Communities in Maine, Nebraska, New York, and Wisconsin visited fluoridation at the polls last November and the results were not very heartening.

The Nebraska legislature passed a fluoridation mandate last May, but only 12 of the 60 communities approved fluoridation. Already, 70% of the State is fluoridated and the State mandate was to share the benefits with the rest of the state. But, 48 communities voted to opt out. The 12 who voted to be included represent about 30,000 more people, or a 2% gain. More work is needed to educate the rest as was noted by the Nebraska Dental Association.

In Wisconsin, the fluoridation measure passed in Holmen by 2,118 to 1,856, while voters in Prairie du Chien rejected the measure by 1,542 to 1,014. Though the community need was exampled, it took financial help from the Wisconsin Partnership Program to mount a grassroots campaign door-to-door, health care professional support, education sessions, a letter writing campaign, and TV and radio ads. Advocates worked for three years swaying the public.

In Maine, the island community of Vinalhaven did pass their referendum to fluoridate the water supplies 423 to 320. But voters in Jackman and Moose River voted to cease fluoridation. These communities are near the Canadian border with Jackman having no dentist at all. The Maine Dental Association was very disappointed as they had sent out information in support of fluoridation and pointing out the oral health benefits for their communities.

Corning, NY, narrowly voted "to prohibit the city council from enacting legislation to fluoridate the city's water supply." In 2006, the city council had voted to fluoridate, but a 2007 petition drive brought the matter to a public vote. It lost 1,287 to 1,222--by 65 votes, but some 275 absentee votes remain to be counted.

This report indicates that no matter how overwhelming the evidence is for improving dental health with fluoridation, failing to educate the voters runs the risk of the public to stubbornly refuse improved oral health. Now try and get them to brush and floss!