In April 2010, the CDA Board of Directors approved a new position statement on early childhood caries (ECC) and an updated statement on the use of fluorides in caries prevention.
The statement on ECC was developed by CDA's Committee on Clinical and Scientific Affairs (CCSA) as part of a national strategy to address the issue of ECC in Canadian children. The committee formed an ECC Task Force, which also produced a report outlining a strategy for how CDA and its partners can effectively promote oral health in children.
The updated position statement on the use of fluorides in caries prevention incorporates new recommendations concerning the use of fluoridated toothpaste for young children from birth to 3 years of age. Since 1996, CDA and Health Canada have had different recommendations concerning the use of fluoride toothpaste for very young children, which caused frustration and confusion among the public and health professionals.
As the Canadian perspective is valued worldwide, CDA believed it was important to strive for unity with Health Canada on this important public health issue. CDA therefore asked the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (CAPD) to work with the Office of the Chief Dental Officer (OCDO) to try to achieve a common understanding and consensus on this issue. Through the work of CAPD and OCDO and a national consultation, consensus has been reached on a Canadian recommendation concerning the use of fluoride toothpaste for very young children, as reflected in the updated CDA position statement.