Six years of fluoridation on the goldfields of Western Australia

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder-Kambalda area in arid inland Western Australia receives its water supply from distant Perth, through a pipeline constructed in the fabulous goldrush period at the turn of the century. This water was fluoridated at the source in 1968. Comparison of dental data obtained by examination of goldfields schoolchildren before and after 6 years of fluoridation shows improved dental health through reduced caries rates, less tooth loss, and a change in the pattern of child dental care.