The ongoing adoption of school-based fluoride mouthrinse programs in the U.S. has provided the opportunity to study the issues surrounding the adoption and implementation of a health technology by public schools. Findings from a National Study on the Diffusion of Preventive Health Measures to Schools have been selected for analysis with regard to the role of school health personnel in the adoption and delivery of the service. A more visible role for school health personnel as on-site health experts is discussed, as well as the potential ways for increasing their involvement through facilitating initial program adoption, relaying accurate and up-to-date implementation information to decision-makers, developing a constituency for long-term program support and ensuring program accuracy through monitoring and continuing education.
In conclusion, as community agencies under P.L. 93-641 embark upon the definition of health status goals, health system goals, and program implementation, dentists have the opportunity to clarify and assist in developing a vigorous approach to meeting dental health needs through primary prevention. Insofar as public health dentistry is able to provide technical assistance and leadership at the local HSA and SHPDA levels, the powerful tools for change embodied in this law can be a force for promoting the oral health of our population.
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