The public health benefits of adding fluoride to the town water supply were explained and debated at a forum in Edgartown Thursday night attended by dentists, medical professionals, elected officials and town residents.

The decision about whether to add fluoride to Edgartown’s public water supply will now go before voters, following a successful petition effort by residents.

Emotions ran high in Edgartown this week over a recent board of health decision to move forward with a plan to add fluoride to town water.