We would like to express our regard for the wisdom the City of Durango has shown in giving the voters the opportunity to have a voice in the decision of water fluoridation.
How fortunate the townspeople are to have their city council support this critical and cost effective measure. Fluoride has been studied for decades; science clearly points to the benefits of fluoridation for developing a healthier dentition.
Sadly, the community of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County never got the opportunity to have a popular vote on the issue. The matter was decided exclusively by elected officials comprising the water board. Multiple individuals with children commented that they were not even aware that the issue was being considered.
When Dr. Davis started practicing dentistry in Pagosa in 1974 the water was not fluoridated and rampant decay and weak primary tooth enamel was very evident in local children.
Four to five years after fluoridating the city water, substantially less decay was diagnosed in children’s mouths. This situation has reverted back to the 1970s since the unfortunate loss of Pagosa’s fluoridation equipment a decade ago.
So kudos to the City of Durango for recognizing the importance of this issue and giving all voters a voice in this crucial decision.
And kudos to all the individuals and all health care professionals who have worked tirelessly to educate the public on the issue.
Gerlinde Ehni-Snyder DDS, Randall Davis DDS
Pagosa Springs
