Letter: OPUD's fluoride decision criticized

Recently, the Olivehurst Public Utilty District board decided in a 3-2 vote to discontinue water fluoridation for their residents. This effectively denies children living in Yuba County the benefits that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proclaimed as "one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century." Water fluoridation has been repeatedly shown to reduce childhood tooth decay by 20-40 percent. It is safe and effective.

OPUD Director Dennise Burbank was quoted as saying, "I haven't seen people from the community asking us to leave it in." However, she failed to acknowledge the citizens most impacted by her decision and those least able to reach her — the children of Yuba County.

The OPUD board can be reached at 743-4657.

Mike Kennedy

Dentist

Sutter