BFS opens applications for its Career Development Fellowship

The British Fluoridation Society (BFS), supported by The Borrow Foundation, is seeking to recruit a second candidate to its Career Development Fellowship.

Overall, £30,000 has been allocated for the provision of two British Fluoridation Society Career Development Fellowships. The first was awarded to principal dental surgeon Patrick Quinn in November 2023.

The BFS intends to appoint its second fellowship by March 2024 to start in June 2024, and is seeking applications from dental professionals at the beginning of their career with an interest in water fluoridation.

Dr Ray Lowry, BFS secretary, explains: “This is an exciting career development opportunity for someone at the start of their professional career.

“Water fluoridation plays a significant role in preventing dental caries and securing good dental health for all.

“Despite its long history as a successful oral health intervention, only 10% of the UK population drinks fluoridated water, and these people are benefitting from schemes that were introduced decades ago.

“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.

“Together with The Borrow Foundation, we have identified a need to bolster the professional foundation for fluoridation to keep research relevant, and to encourage our younger colleagues to pursue the issue as a viable career interest.

“Through our fellowship programme, we aim to help build a modern UK database of evidence and to encourage up and coming colleagues to engage in the subject. The BFS is the obvious organisation to initiate this sort of intervention as we work to support the next generation of fluoridation advocates.”

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to meet leaders in the field and work to develop a unique insight into water fluoridation and the issues surrounding it, using the fellowship funding and BFS international partnership networks.

BFS Chair Barry Cockcroft

The closing date for applications is 31 March 2024.

Barry Cockcroft, former Chief Dental Officer and BFS chair, adds: “This is an important investment in the future of water fluoridation, underpinning its effectiveness as a safe dental health intervention for future generations.

“We envisage the successful fellow will organise a suitable research or attachment programme that will include connecting with relevant colleagues and institutions in the UK and abroad, which will result in a formal end-of-fellowship report and, if appropriate, a publication in a recognised academic journal.”

Applications and the information on the process is available on the British Fluoridation website https://bfsweb.org/career-development/.

The British Fluoridation Society awards inaugural career development fellowship

The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) is pleased to announce that its first Career Development Fellowship has been awarded to Dr Patrick Quinn, Principal Dental Surgeon for County Kerry, Ireland.

The award is funded by a grant from The Borrow Foundation, a grant making organisation that is committed to the improvement of oral health, primarily in children.

Dr Quinn’s project is called “Improving the Accessibility of Community Water Fluoridation Monitoring Data.” He will conduct the research at the School of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin and Dublin Dental University Hospital where he is pursuing a clinical doctorate in Dental Public Health.

The project aims to improve the accessibility of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) monitoring data by exploring the approach taken by other countries with CWF programmes and identifying examples of good practice.

It will also determine the views of key stakeholders such as members of the public, researchers and members of the dental profession through public and patient involvement (PPI) and make recommendations for countries with CWF programmes who wish to improve the accessibility of their monitoring data.

Dr Barry Cockcroft CBE, chair of the British Fluoridation Society, commented: “The work proposed by Dr Quinn will strengthen the academic and practical foundation for water fluoridation and add to the growing monitoring of the safety and efficacy of this worldwide intervention. The Society is pleased to initiate this fellowship, which is generously funded by The Borrow Foundation.”

To date, the approach to making CWF monitoring data accessible in Ireland and six other areas with CWF programmes has been researched and validated by subject experts as background preparatory work.

The views of key stakeholders will be gathered through a patient and public involvement (PPI) process with members of the public, researchers and members of the dental profession. Recommendations for practice will then be made following the compilation of stakeholder perspectives and examples of good practice from around the world.

Commenting on receiving the Fellowship, Dr Quinn said: “I am honoured to have been awarded the first British Fluoridation Society Career Development Fellowship. I have always been interested in community water fluoridation and particularly how we make data accessible to key stakeholders.

“This fellowship will enable me to undertake further research in this area as well as growing my expertise in the wider area of CWF. It is essential that we continue to develop expertise in this area and this fellowship will enable me and hopefully many more in time to become leaders in the promotion and development of this important public health intervention.”

The fellowship and its conclusions are scheduled to be completed in August 2025.

Ray Lowry, secretary of the British Fluoridation Society, adds: “We recognise the need to encourage research and development in water fluoridation as new schemes are introduced, for example in England, following the strengthening of Government support for the issue. As academic and other monitoring matures, Dr Quinn’s work will add significantly to the scrutiny and surveillance portfolio available to universities, public health authorities and policymakers.”

The British Fluoridation Society was founded in 1969 to work for improved dental health in the UK through the introduction of water fluoridation schemes and distribute information about dental health.

It works to promote the improvement of dental health by securing the optimum fluoride content of water supplies (one part per million) in areas where high levels of tooth decay continue to be a public health issue and to promote and co-ordinate medical, dental, educational, and administrative efforts to achieve this.

Outstanding achievements in the British Fluoridation Society essay prize

In a showcase of intellect and dedication, the winners of the 2023 British Fluoridation Society (BFS) Essay Prize have been announced, highlighting remarkable contributions from each category: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Dental Care Professional.

Participants were challenged to explore the theme, “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?”

BFS chair Barry Cockcroft CBE, led the judging panel and expressed enthusiasm about the competition’s inaugural year, stating: “The response exceeded our expectations in both quantity and quality of entries. Witnessing the depth of engagement from entrants reaffirms that the topic of water fluoridation is thriving with promising initiatives on the horizon. It’s truly inspiring to see the younger generation invest the time and effort to craft compelling essays of up to 3000 words.”

The three winners and their prizes were: Yaqoub Imran (Undergraduate) essay prize: £500, Ryan Grocock (Postgraduate) essay prize: £1,000 and Lauren Stockham (Dental Care Professional) essay prize: £1,000.

Ryan Grocock (Postgraduate)

BFS secretary and panel member Ray Lowry echoed this sentiment, emphasising the impressive standard of entries. “The deliberation process took considerable time due to the quality displayed in each submission. Our heartfelt congratulations go to the well-deserving winners. This recognition underscores the merit of their contributions. We eagerly anticipate sharing their winning essays and remain optimistic about the potential developments for the issue, the Society, and these gifted colleagues.”

Panel member Gaby Bisset, editor of Dentistry.co.uk, added a perspective from outside the specialised field, saying, “As a journalist and editor, it was my responsibility to ensure that the winning entries could withstand scrutiny from individuals beyond the realm of water fluoridation specialists.

“The 2023 British Fluoridation Essay Prize emphasises the importance of ongoing discussions in the domain of water fluoridation.”

British Fluoridation Society Appoints New Council Member

The British Flouridation Society (BFS) has appointed Dental Therapist Clare Burton to its Council.

Clare works for the Community Dental Service in Norfolk and Waveney and is also an active committee member of The British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT).

She has been a keen advocate for water fluoridation throughout her career and has appeared on the BBC current affairs programme Question Time in relation to oral health and equality.

“My support for water fluoridation chimes perfectly with my clinical work with children, which includes safeguarding, as well as being a mother of two young children,” says Clare.

“I’m delighted to be able to bring my experience in community practice to the BFS Council and look forward to furthering the case for more community water fluoridation schemes in the UK.”  

Barry Cockcroft, chair of the BFS, said: “Although water fluoridation benefits a range of people, to have someone on the Council with Clare’s specific expertise in working with children and the issues they face is very encouraging. I know she’ll be a great addition to the team.”

The BFS is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1969 to work for improved dental health in the UK through the introduction of water fluoridation schemes. The fluoridation of water supplies reduces the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth in children and adults. Find out more at: https://bfsweb.org/

BFS launches essay competition to champion community water fluoridation

The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) has launched a new essay competition which is designed to encourage up and coming oral health care professionals to make the case for more community water fluoridation (CWF) schemes across the country.

The competition is aimed at dental care professionals (DCPs), dental undergraduates and postgraduates, with a cash prize for each category, which ranges from £500 to £1000.

The BFS 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?”

The closing date for entries is 31 August 2023. Each entry will be judged by an editorial panel led by Damien Walmsley, dental practitioner and executive member of the BFS.

Damien explains: “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, and these communities are benefitting from schemes that were introduced many decades ago.

“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.

“Please put your thinking caps on and share your ideas with us. This is a fantastic opportunity to do some public good and enhance your CV at the same time.”

Once the entries are in and the judging is complete, all three competition winners will be announced and presented with their prizes at the BFS AGM in 2024.

The three essay prize categories are:

  • The British Fluoridation Society Undergraduate essay prize: £500
  • The British Fluoridation Society Postgraduate essay prize: £1,000
  • The British Fluoridation Society DCP essay prize: £1,000

The BFS is keen to encourage new interest in water fluoridation by targeting a new generation of dental care students and professionals.

Barry Cockcroft, BFS chair and former chief dental officer for England, said: “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.

“That said, it has been some time since new schemes were introduced in the UK, which is why we feel it is appropriate to stimulate interest in the initiative by inviting colleagues to get involved, put their thinking caps on and pen an essay is an excellent way, that will raise the profile of fluoridation within and without the profession.”

Full details of the essay prizes and application rules can be found at: https://bfsweb.org/the-british-fluoridation-essay-prizes/

Applications now open for BFS Career Development Fellowship

The British Fluoridation Society (BFS), supported by the Borrow Foundation, is seeking to recruit a new candidate to its Career Development Fellowship.

Overall, £30,000 has been allocated for the provision of two British Fluoridation Society Career Development Fellowships during the next 18 to 24 months.

The BFS hopes to have its first fellowship awarded by the end of the year and is seeking applications from dental professionals at the beginning of their career with an interest in water fluoridation.

Dr Ray Lowry, BFS Secretary, explains: “This is an exciting career development opportunity for someone at the start of their professional career.

“Water fluoridation plays a significant role in preventing dental caries and securing good dental health for all.

“Despite its long history as a successful oral health intervention, only 10% of the UK population drinks fluoridated water, and these people are benefitting from schemes that were introduced many decades ago.

“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.

“Together with the Borrow Foundation, we have identified a need to bolster the professional foundation for fluoridation to keep research relevant, and to encourage our younger colleagues to pursue the issue as a viable career interest.

“Through our fellowship programme, we aim to help build a modern UK database of evidence and to encourage up and coming colleagues to engage in the subject. The BFS is the obvious organisation to initiate this sort of intervention as we work to support the next generation of fluoridation advocates.”

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to meet leaders in the field and work to develop a unique insight into water fluoridation and the issues surrounding it, using the fellowship funding and international partnership networks.

The closing date for applications is 30 June 2023.

BFS Chair Barry Cockcroft

Barry Cockcroft, former Chief Dental Officer and BFS Chair, adds: “This is an important investment in the future of water fluoridation, underpinning its effectiveness as a safe dental health intervention for future generations.

“We envisage the successful fellow will organise a suitable research or attachment programme that will include connecting with relevant colleagues and institutions in the UK and abroad, which will result in a formal end-of-fellowship report and, if appropriate, a publication in a recognised academic journal.”

With a closing date of 30th June 2023, applications are now invited and the process can we accessed on the British Fluoridation website https://bfsweb.org/career-development/.

Find out more about the Borrow Foundation at: https://www.borrowfoundation.org/about-us.

BFS welcomes Ministerial intention to proceed with Community Water Fluoridation

The Chair of the British Fluoridation Society (BFS), Dr Barry Cockcroft CBE, has welcomed a statement made by the Minister of State for the Department of Health and Social Care Will Quince, of his intention to proceed with increasing the coverage of community water fluoridation schemes in North East England.

The announcement was made during the Minister’s speech to a committee debate on ‘Draft Water Fluoridation Consultation Regulations 2022’ on Monday 24 October.

The Minister said: “One element in deciding whether we proceed with a water fluoridation proposal is of course a cost-benefit analysis of said proposal, and any new proposal would have to demonstrate that the benefit to health represents good value for the investment of public money being proposed.

“Where the conditions are met, we want more of the country to benefit from water fluoridation. I am pleased to announce that, subject to the outcome of this debate and any future consultations, funding has been secured to begin expansion across the North East into Northumberland, County Durham, Sunderland, South Tyneside and Teesside, including Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington and Middlesbrough. I know that the local authorities in those areas are strong supporters of water fluoridation.”

Speaking following the announcement, BFS Chair Dr Barry Cockcroft said: “We welcome Minster Quince’s positive statement, which is an indication that the Government is serious in its intention to widen the coverage of water fluoridation, starting with a public consultation on its proposals for expansion across the North East of England next year.

“This is a hugely positive development for organisations like the BFS, dentists and oral health practitioners up and down the country, who have been campaigning for the introduction of more schemes to prevent tooth decay and unnecessary suffering in our communities due to poor oral health. The BFS is keen to give its support when public consultation events on the proposals are held locally.

“As the Minister stated, the expansion will enable an additional 1.6 million people to benefit from water fluoridation. It will help to reduce the levels of tooth decay in the area and, over time, reduce the numbers of children who need to be admitted to hospital for tooth extractions because of decay. As children in more deprived areas are at greater risk of tooth decay, expansion will help to level up dental health for the children and families who need it most.”

BFS welcomes new public opinion survey supporting water fluoridation in Scotland

The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) welcomes the findings of its latest academic survey which confirms public support in Scotland for water fluoridation to improve oral health and combat dental health inequalities.

Today, no-one in Scotland benefits from artificial water fluoridation and there have been no recent reports published about public opinion on the issue.

Published in the British Dental Journal (BDJ) this month (August), the new report, commissioned by the BFS, titled: Public attitudes to water fluoridation in Scotland – Jones, C., Lowry, R. & Brophy, R. Br Dent J (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4506-1, contains the results of a robust public opinion survey on community water fluoridation to address this absence.

The survey set out to gauge public attitudes in three urban areas of Scotland to determine respondents’ sources of information, awareness of the current fluoridation status of their local water supply and attitude to community water fluoridation. It was conducted using a face-to-face interview with 410 people of mixed ages and gender.

Colwyn Jones

Colwyn Jones, honorary senior lecturer at Edinburgh University, an executive member of the British Fluoridation Society and lead author of the report, said: “The results demonstrate few people have heard recent news about water fluoridation, a minority of people believe they already have fluoridated water, and as in the rest of the UK, the majority of the Scottish population support community water fluoridation.

“Fluoride occurs naturally and on The Scottish Water website, I discovered that my home water supply, along with about 500,000 Edinburgh residents, is shared with the Scottish (Holyrood) Parliament. Last year it had a mean level of 0.12ppm fluoride. This natural level of the mineral fluoride, shared by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) would need to be increased by a factor of around nine, to reduce tooth decay.

“However, owing not to dithering, but deliberate government inaction, no one benefits from water fluoridation in Scotland. The 2018 Scottish Oral Health Improvement Plan stated, ‘Although we recognise that water fluoridation could make a positive contribution to improvements in oral health, the practicalities of implementing this means we have taken the view that alternative solutions are more achievable.’ We belatedly await publication of these ‘alternative solutions.’”

This latest study follows from one conducted in Northeast England in 2021, titled: Public attitudes to water fluoridation in the North East of England – Lowry RJ, Brophy R, Lennon MA. Br Dent J 2021; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-3074-0).

Dr Ray Lowry, secretary to the British Fluoridation Society, explains: “When this Scottish study is placed in the context of other sufficiently robust national surveys conducted over the years, it is clear the level of opposition to water fluoridation remains consistently low. This is contrary to what opponents would have us believe.

Barry Cockroft

“If seeking the opinions of the public is done in an open and unbiased way, the support for fluoridation remains high and this is now confirmed in Scotland. It is important that water fluoridation has the continued support of the public, but it is not enough to take it for granted. For its success to be achieved for the many, we need to ensure sure everyone understands the health benefits.”

Barry Cockroft, former Chief Dental Officer for England, and chair of the British Fluoridation Society, adds: “Scotland was once a pioneer in trying to implement water fluoridation schemes, unfortunately none were achieved. We hope that policy makers north of the border will now renew their efforts to introduce one of the best interventions to improve oral health now they know how out of step they have been with public opinion; it is telling that a considerable proportion of Scottish residents assumed this had all been done many years ago.”

For more information on the BFS, go to: https://bfsweb.org/.

The British Fluoridation Society appoints new Committee Members

The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) is pleased to welcome Sharon Walker and Sakina Needham to its Executive Committee.

Sharon Walker has worked in dentistry for more than 30 years, starting her career as a dental nurse in general practice and going onto work with the Community Dental Service and leading its Oral Health Improvement Team.

Sharon has had a varied career incorporating clinical practice, teaching and public health experience. She chaired the National Oral Health Promotion Group (NOHPG) from 2013 to 2016 and has a keen interest in dental public health. She completed a Masters degree in health and social care in 2020 and continues to be an active advocate for oral health and reducing inequalities within the Bradford and Airedale District.

Sharon said: “I am delighted to be joining the BFS Executive at this exciting time with the changes to the 2022 Health and Care Act. I hope to bring my knowledge and experience of working within the oral health field with the aim to drive forward and support the water fluoridation agenda. Community water fluoridation is one the most effective ways to reduce dental inequalities and benefits both adults and children’s oral health. Everyone deserves a healthy smile.”

Sharon Walker

Sakina Needham has been a registered dental care professional (DCP) for 15 years, where she has expanded her scope of practice in private, NHS, community and voluntary settings mostly in the Lincolnshire area.

Throughout her career, Sakina has developed a passion for educating and supporting children and their parents on their journey to better oral health.

She explains: “I have spent the last five years developing my skills as a mentor and tutor and have found a home with a leading training academy teaching dental nurses and dental practice managers, based in Cambridgeshire.

“I am honoured to be joining the BFS Executive Committee and hope to bring a deeply passionate and well-experienced energy that will continue to highlight the importance of fluoridation in our communities and I hope to encourage more dental nurses to join us in our public message.”

The British Fluoridation Society was founded in 1969 to work for improved dental health in the UK through the introduction of community water fluoridation schemes. Primarily its role educates and co-ordinates medical, dental, educational, and administrative efforts to promote the improvement of dental health by securing the optimum fluoride content of water supplies (one part per million) in areas where high levels of tooth decay remain a public health problem.

Welcoming Sharon and Sakina on board, Dr Barry Cockcroft CBE and BFS chair, said: “This is an exciting time to be joining the BFS Executive Committee. I am delighted to welcome Sharon and Sakina to the team. They bring a diverse range of expertise and practical knowledge, which will be of great benefit to our work as move forward in our commitment to educate and encourage more communities to adopt water fluoridation as a safe means of reducing dental health inequalities in the UK.”

For more information on the BFS, go to: https://bfsweb.org/.

BFS launch new academic fellowship opportunities

The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) in partnership with the Borrow Foundation, has launched a new career development fellowship designed to attract new academic expertise to the field of water fluoridation and its role in public health.

Overall, £30,000 has been allocated to create two fellowships which will be delivered within the next three years.

The programme is called The British Fluoridation Society Career Development Fellowship.

“This is an important investment in the future of water fluoridation,” explains Barry Cockcroft, BFS chair and former chief dental officer.

“Oral health is fundamental to overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. Community water fluoridation is a crucial element in preventing tooth decay and securing good dental health for all.

“Despite a long history and exemplary record in efficacy, only 10% of the UK population drinks fluoridated water, and those communities are benefitting from schemes that were introduced decades ago.

“In addition to highlighting the need for more schemes, our partnership with the Borrow Foundation has enabled us to create The British Fluoridation Society Career Development Fellowship, which will strengthen the UK academic knowledge base for water fluoridation by encouraging future leaders in their field to take an active interest in fluoridation as a safe and effective intervention.

“I’d like to thank the Borrow Foundation for its support in helping us to take good oral health forward.”

Today, over four hundred million people benefit from fluoridated water worldwide.

The BFS has been working to improve dental health in England through the introduction of new community water fluoridation schemes since 1969. The Borrow Foundation is a UK charity seeking to improve oral health, particularly for children.

Dr Ray Lowry, BFS secretary, adds: “Our new career fellowships are designed to provide a greater academic underpinning for fluoridation as an effective and safe dental health intervention.

“Recently, we have seen an increase in political enthusiasm for water fluoridation and as a Society, we have identified a need to strengthen the academic foundation for fluoridation, to keep research relevant and encourage young academics to pursue the issue as a viable career interest.

“The fellowships will help us to build a modern UK database of evidence and to engage with younger academics on this career-enhancing subject. The BFS is the obvious organisation to initiate this activity as part of its role to support the academic knowledge base for fluoridation.”

The BFS is now seeking applications from candidates. Closing date for the first fellowship is Wednesday 31 August 2022.

Applications are invited and the process can be accessed via The British Fluoridation Society website at: https://bfsweb.org/career-development/.

The Society anticipates successful fellowship candidates will be second-year academics on a recognised training pathway in the UK.

The fellowship could potentially fund an attachment within an academic department (dental public health or the equivalent) in the USA, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Singapore.

During the fellowship, candidates will be tasked to draw on their mentor’s experience and knowledge and to work on a short thesis or research project that will develop their thinking on an aspect of water fluoridation. They will also have the opportunity and are encouraged to build a network of colleagues also engaged in the field of preventable oral disease and fluoridation.

For more information, please contact Sharon Walker at the BFS. Tel: 07498982937 or email: sharon@bfsweb.org.