Questionnaires were mailed to 5,867 dentists and dental hygienists, who practice in Indiana, to assess their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of fluoride. Behavioral questions related to the frequency of the use of professionally applied topical fluoride for children and adults at high or low risk for caries; the type of professionally applied fluoride used; provision of fluoride test kits for patients' well water; frequency of counseling parents to monitor dentifrice use; and protocol for prescribing dietary fluoride supplements. Knowledge questions asked which of three modalities is the predominant caries preventive action of fluoride; is the practitioner confident in differentiating between fluorosis and other hypoplasias; and the fluoride concentration in dentifrice and professionally applied fluoride. Attitude questions queried the length of time since attending continuing education related to caries prevention; and how frequently patients expressed dissatisfaction with fluorosis on their or their children's teeth. Results: Most responding dental professionals were unaware that the predominant caries preventive mode of action of fluoride is now known to be post-eruptive and primarily occurs through maintaining frequent low concentrations of fluoride in the mouth. Likewise, most dentists and dental hygienists were unable to specify the concentration of fluoride in dentifrice or in professionally applied topical fluoride. Conclusions: In order to create awareness of the current understanding of the action of fluoride and to promote responsible and effective use of fluoride among dentists and dental hygienists, extensive education, related to the understanding and use of fluoride should be provided.
Learning Objectives: The participant will be able to: (1) assess the current standard of practice related to the professional use of fluoride in Indiana (2) recognize the need for continuing education for dental professionals regarding the use of fluoride
Keywords: Oral Health, Health Care Delivery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.