Executive Summary

During the recent 04/05 budget process, Council’s long-term commitment of issuing fluoride tablets was raised with the General Manager, Redland Water & Waste.

Council currently issues fluoride tablet supplements free to Redland Shire residents for any children aged 4-12 years. Advice is that dental practitioners within the Shire randomly refer patients to Council for this service.

We have not been able to establish a Council minute relating to the decision, but long-serving Council employees, past and present, have been able to narrow the timing to around 1970 when the Leslie Harrison Dam was commissioned and reticulated water was not fluoridated.

Due to the now ready availability of fluoride supplements at retail outlets and in toothpaste, it is considered unnecessary for Council to continue issuing these supplements from its Customer Service Centres.

Purpose

To review Council’s current practice of issuing fluoride tablets on request.

Background

Recent research by Council officers shows that fluoride tablets have been issued free to Redland Shire residents since the water supply from the Leslie Harrison Dam first became available as an alternative to fluoridation of the reticulated water supply.

As the Leslie Harrison Dam was commissioned in 1968, and allowing time for the dam to fill and for reticulation pipes to be laid, we estimate that the issuing of fluoride tablets would have commenced in approximately 1970.

The former Director of the Health Department has advised that it was then deemed the tablets would be paid for from funds generated by the water supply, i.e. people had to pay to get their water connected and some money was kept aside for the fluoride tablets.

Until July 1998 tablets were distributed through, firstly, Council’s Health Department and then Council’s Engineering Department. Since July 1998, Redland Water has provided the budget for payment of the tablets. When the Customer Service Centres opened in early 1996, issuing of fluoride tablets was handed over to them, with payment by Redland Water.

The current Operating Guideline states that fluoride tablets will be issued free to all children under 12 years of age as a community health service in lieu of fluoridation of the reticulated water supply. As a control mechanism, a tally sheet is completed.

Issues

At the time of the decision being made to issue fluoride tablets, no other products were readily available to the public. Fluoride supplements, including tablets and drops, can now be purchased at pharmacies and many toothpastes have fluoride added.

Approximately 700-800 bottles are currently issued through the Cleveland and Capalaba Customer Service Centres.

If Council supports the recommendation to discontinue the current practice, the decision will need to be communicated to the community and particularly local dentists. Also, the current stock of tablets (approximately 800) could be provided free-of-charge to dentists in preference to them being wasted. The supplier has been contacted and there is a possibility that a portion of our stocks may be able to be returned for a refund dependent upon their age and expiry dates.

Relationship to Corporate Plan

The recommendation primarily supports Council's strategic priority to provide and maintain water services & support the provision of infrastructure to sustain our community.

Financial Implications

The current cost of approximately $11,000 per annum has been provided for in Redland Water & Waste’s 04/05 budget.

Consultation

Consultation as to when Council commenced issuing of fluoride tablets took place with a number of current long-serving employees, including Bruce Fischer – Service Manager Water Treatment, Greg Jensen – Manager Customer & Community Services, Phil Hennessey– General Manager Planning & Policy; and

Research on the same topic was also conducted by Tracey Pollard, Corporate Librarian who consulted the former Director, Health Department, Redland Shire Council.

Options

Preferred

That Council resolve to:

1. Discontinue issuing fluoride tablets from Council’s Customer Service Centres effective immediately;

2. Advise all local dental practitioners within Redland Shire of Council’s decision;

3. Return unused tablets to the supplier wherever possible; and

4. Distribute any remaining stocks equitably to Redlands’ dental practitioners.

Alternative

To continue issuing fluoride tablets from Council’s Customer Service Centres.

Officer’s Recommendation

That Council resolve to:

1. Discontinue issuing fluoride tablets from Council’s Customer Service Centres effective immediately;

2. Advise all local dental practitioners within Redland Shire of Council’s decision;

3. Return unused tablets to the supplier wherever possible; and

4. Distribute any remaining stocks equitably to Redlands ’ dental practitioners.