Cost‐benefit analysis of water fluoridation in Townsvilie, Australia

Abstract

The economic costs and benefits of water fluoridation in the city of Townsville, Australia, are quantified. The study has been undertaken in such a way as to overcome the problems associated with hypothetical cohort analysis in the economic analysis of health projects. The method utilized involves analyzing the economic effects on the total population subject to water fluoridation, through the systematic disaggregation and valuation of demographic, dental and economic data. Significant economic benefits will apparently accrue to the Townsville community through water fluoridation, under a wide range of conditions and assumptions.