The Department of Health says it plans to fluoridate the public water supply in Newman, in the Pilbara, and Kununurra, in the Kimberley, by the end of 2017.

A total of 91 per cent of the population has access to fluoridated water but the WA Government hopes to boost that to 97 per cent within the next 10 years.

It said there were major oral health benefits from fluoridated water.

When the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Advisory Committee held information sessions in both towns in 2010, there was no opposition from those present.

WA Health water unit manager Richard Theobald said he was happy to answer questions from anyone with concerns.

“Like any decision there are those who disagree and we’re quite happy to talk to those people,” he said.

“The community’s decision can change over time, so we’re quite open to that.

“This is a very cost effective way of assisting the oral hygiene process.

“It has proven over many, many years of being a safe and effective way of reducing dental cares.”