The initiative is the brainchild of Deakin medical student Phuong Tran, who during her rural clinical placement in Camperdown, saw poor dental health in the region and decided to do something about it.

As part of her public health medicine unit, she presented a paper to the community on the poor oral health she'd seen and how that could be improved by fluoridation of the water supply.

In that audience were members from the Corangamite Health Collaborative who were inspired by Phuong's presentation to take up the cause.

After some strong lobbying work to government, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced that fluoride would be introduced into the town water of Camperdown, Lismore and Derrinallum by 2020.

It will also extend to customers connected to the Camperdown Rural pipeline.

DHHS has directed Wannon Water to add fluoride to the drinking water supply at the Camperdown Water Treatment Plant.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2020, with fluoridated water set to flow soon after.

Corangamite Shire Mayor Neil Trotter said he hoped the three towns would be the first of more to come.

"The dental decay, especially in kids in this area is pretty horrifying," he said.

"We're one of the last areas in the state to be fluoridated, I don't think any towns in Corangamite Shire at all have fluoridation.

"It's just common sense that it's done. These are the first, but we hope other towns are done some time down the track."

A Wannon Water spokesperson said more than 90 per cent of Victorians already drink water with either naturally occurring or added fluoride, providing oral health benefits.

"Research shows the rate of dental hospitalisation of children in the Camperdown district is higher than the state average," they said.

"Water fluoridation is associated with a reduction of dental hospitalisations and is cost effective.

"The project has been advocated for, and is strongly supported by, the Corangamite Health Collaborative which represents the five local health services, and the Corangamite Shire Council. Wannon Water also supports the initiative."

Customers supplied with water from the Camperdown Water Treatment Plant have received letters notifying them of the fluoride project along with a fact sheet about fluoridation.

People wanting further information can call the water fluoridation information line on 1800 651 723 or visit the water fluoridation website.

READ more: Warrnambool dentist warns against 'alternative' dental practices to mark Dental Health Week

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