Chairman of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Council It s election time, so expect to hear candidates banging on about ‘prevention’, ‘value for money’ and ‘evidence-based policy making’ until the cows come home. Sadly, one phrase that’s unlikely to follow - that delivers on all three - is ‘water fluoridation’. As a dentist it’s baffling why Scotland still seems no closer to taking forward a policy that’s safe, effective and could save our NHS a fortune. On safety the science is clear cut, for anyone not wearing a tin foil hat. Drinking water fluoridated to the optimal level is safe for all ages, be they toddlers, pregnant women or care home residents. It clearly reduces decay in children - and with it wholly preventable pain and misery - and may also benefit adults.