Community water fluoridation (CWF) is the controlled addition of fluoride to the public water supply with the aim of preventing cavities (i.e., dental caries) in the population. The practice of CWF has been subject to persistent concerns and controversy, which then influence discussions and decisions around both the adoption and the discontinuation of such programs in Canada and elsewhere. Specifically, there are concerns that CWF is linked to serious adverse health effects in those who drink fluoridated water. There are signs that the uptake of CWF may be decreasing, as several large Canadian cities have recently stopped fluoridating their municipal water.

CADTH [Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health] is undertaking a health technology assessment to assess the effectiveness, cost considerations, and safety of CWF programs. Ethical issues, implementation considerations, and the potential environmental impact will also be assessed.

Projects listed as “in progress” are at various stages and points of completion. These products have different processes and timelines; therefore, the timing of posting of the final reports varies and expected completion dates may change. Find out more about Projects in Progress.

The “Projects in Progress” page on the CADTH website is updated on a seven- to eight-day cycle. Please be advised that there may be overlap between when a new report is posted online and when the section is updated. View our current Projects in Progress.

*CADTH announcement of report online at https://www.cadth.ca/community-water-fluoridation-programs-health-technology-assessment