Attitudes of Health Professionals Involved in a School‐Based Fluoride Mouthrinse Program

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the attitudes of public health officials and dentists toward a school-based fluoride mouthrinse program administered in grades one through six in Kentucky. The responses were obtained by administering a questionnaire to health officials and dentists. The responses of the health directors indicate support for the program as a means of improving the overall dental care of children. These individuals do not feel a need for direct involvement in the daily operation of the program. They believe that adequately trained school personnel can implement the program. Dentists also view the fluoride mouthrinse program as an effective means of improving children's dental health. However, they feel that it should be part of a broad scope program which includes public health measures. Dentists are reluctant to support a program which they view as increasing the role of government in providing health care.

Preventive Dentistry In Texas, Usa

“…As in the case of sealants, many Texas dentists used topical fluoride and fluoride mouthrinse on only some or none of their patients, even though it is widely recognized that these measures reduce caries incidence (12,13), One explanation of this finding may be that our respondents used these two measures only on child patients. In fact, a 1974 national study indicated that most dentists applied topical fluoride on their child patients but used it less as the age of the child increased (7), The 1982 national survey also showed that dentists with more child patients tended to use topical fluoride more (9).…”