Water fluoridation is the most cost-effective and socially equitable way of preventing caries among all age groups. Though Australia has a high percentage of the population covered by water fluoridation, one-third still do not have access to this benefit. Majority of Australians without access to fluoridated water supplies live in rural areas and are more likely to be from households with poor income and low education. In addition, the small and dispersed nature of the communities present a challenge for the provision of fluoridation infrastructure.

This is a feasibility study on the installation and cost-effectiveness of fluoridation units in two remote communities in the Northern Territory of Australia in 2004.

Small scale fluoridation plants were installed in two remote Northern Territory aboriginal communities in early 2004.

Fluoridation plant came pre-assembled in a container with a small air conditioner so as to keep the instruments cool and provide comfort for those working in the units.

Fluoride levels in community water supplies were expected to be monitored by local staff and by remote electronic system.

Site visits were undertaken by project investigators at installation and nearly two years later.

Documentation related to cost of the plants and operational reports were reviewed.

The fluoridation plants were operational for about 80% of the trial period of two years.

A number of technical features that interfered with the operation of the plants were identified and addressed through redesign.

Capital cost for implementation of these plants in remote communities was estimated at about $US94,000 with recurrent annual expense of $US11,800 per Unit.

Fluoride probes
- Probes read the fluoride levels in the water supply so as to monitor correct levels of fluoride is maintained in the water supply. Faulty probe reading was a major problem in both sites in the first 12 months of the project. This was corrected by installing new probes from an alternative supplier.

Fluoride bags partially dissolved
- To overcome the health risk, sodium fluoride is packaged in sealed soluble bags that should completely dissolve when placed in water within 2-5 minutes. However the bags did not dissolve fully leaving fragments that blocked the tank. The failure of the bags to dissolve is related to old bags and stored in warm container. Measures have been taken by the supplier to correct this.

Fluoride scaling
- The down flow of saturated fluoride solution to the base of the tank leaving the un-dissolved fluoride to 'scale' in the bottom of the tank. The supplier has now redesigned the plants to operate on an up flow system eliminating the scaling.

Temperature in the container
- The container was very hot and the air-conditioner had little effect in maintaining suitable environment to work. An outer protective sunshield to remove the direct heat or a purpose built facility for keeping fluoridation plants is an alternative to containers.

The need for effective management systems, including policy and funding responsibilities is important for the success of such programmes.