Reflections of the North East community water fluoridation network on their approach to the public consultation on the expansion of community water fluoridation in North East England

Introduction Following the Health and Care Act 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) recently held a national public consultation on the expansion of community water fluoridation (CWF) to a further 1.6 million people in North East England. This research explores the reflections of key stakeholders in the North East health and public health system on the regional approach to supporting this national consultation, and the conduct of the national consultation.Methods In total, 25 stakeholders from the North East were interviewed and their responses analysed using thematic analysis.Results The strategic approach taken in the North East was to maximise the quality and quantity of submissions to the national consultation, primarily by engagement with professionals and organisations. Final judgement on whether this was the 'right' approach was reserved until the consultation outcomes were known. Irrespective, regional collaboration, strong leadership, the investment of significant effort and a long-term approach were deemed essential to supporting the national consultation and progressing the CWF agenda. Interviewees generally praised the format of the national consultation; although, some areas for future consideration were suggested.Conclusions This research can inform the approach of other regions to future CWF consultations and the actions of the DHSC in running such consultations in the future.