1968-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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15 Cape were invited to participate. Winners were presented water-pics and electric toothbrushes. There were radio inter- views, TV spot announcements, and many articles on dental health in the newspapers. Many educational programs such as assemblies and classroom talks were held in the schools as special programs during Dental Health Week. However, much of this dental education is carried on through the school year. The new Fluoridation Law, which passed the 1968 Legis- lature, has demanded much attention. Under the new law, local Boards of Health, with the approval of the State Health Commissioner, have the authority and responsibility for recommending fluoridation if they deem it in the public in- terest. As with many new laws, people are not always sure how to proceed properly under the statute, and calls for ad- vice and assistance, speakers, etc., have been numerous. The cost of dental care makes fluoridation of water supplies a must for the prevention of tooth decay. Water fluoridation is a controversial matter and much needs to be done to in- form the communities that the benefits far out-weigh the fears. The new law assures healthier teeth for growing chil- dren with benefits extending into later life—stronger bones for adults is one such benefit. ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION—Richard Sturtevant All inspectional programs were performed according to the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code which included eat- ing and drinking establishments, recreational camps, family type camp grounds, public and semi-public swimming pools, and sewage disposal inspections. Local Boards of Health were assisted in sewage disposal approval where special problems existed. Other activities included approval of day care centers, public and private school inspections, sub-division approvals, bathing beach approvals, shellfish control, field investiga- tions for tick control, and epidemiological investigations. The amount of time devoted to these activities can be realized by referring to the statistical summary in this report. We are pleased to note that some towns have proceeded to acquire public lands for future use for solid waste disposal and public water supplies. In the near future a study will have been completed by the Cape Cod Economic and Develop- ment Advisory Commission relative to water supply, solid