Background - The widespread use of fluoride toothpaste has been recognised as the single most important reason for the dramatic decline of dental caries in developed countries during the last four decades. In some countries, this has been by as much as 80%, resulting in fluoride being championed as one of the top ten health advances of the 20th century. Unfortunately, middle and low-income countries have hardly benefited from this success story. The FDI World Dental Federation estimates that less than 8% of the world’s population brush their teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste.

A major reason for this is lack of affordability. A recent Dentaid study showed that while it takes the lowest 10% of workers in the UK just 0.05 days labour to earn enough to purchase one year’s supply of toothpaste (two large tubes), it would take the equivalent worker in Zambia or Kenya over 15 days to purchase the same amount.

One of the major contributory reasons for this lack of affordability, particularly in low-income countries, is the burden of taxation. Fluoride toothpaste, despite its proven medicinal values, is treated almost universally worldwide as a cosmetic, and as such is subject to taxes and tariffs. In the UK, this amounts to 17.5% VAT. In Nepal, taxes and tariffs form 25% of retail cost where in Burkina Faso, taxes and tariffs can be as much as 55%, seriously affecting affordability.
 
Brief Description – An advocacy programme to reduce or remove taxes and tariffs on quality fluoride toothpaste in the UK, with the purpose of setting a precedent to other countries around the world to replicate, following further international advocacy.

Area of activity/(Partner Organisations) – Initially United Kingdom. (British Dental Association, Commonwealth Dental Association, FDI World Dental Federation, World Health Organisation. Possibly UK Department of Health.)

Strategic Partners & Consultants – British Dental Association, Commonwealth Dental Association, FDI World Dental Federation, World Health Organisation. Possibly UK Department of Health    

Anticipated Outcomes 

• The reduction or removal of taxation (VAT) on quality fluoride toothpaste in the United Kingdom.
• The reclassification of quality fluoride toothpaste from a “cosmetic product” to an “essential health product” or something similar.
• A reduction in retail price of quality fluoride toothpaste worldwide, resulting in increased affordability for, and usage by wider populations in middle and low-income countries and disadvantaged communities in high-income countries.