Dissemination of New Fluoride Recommendations

Objectives: Centers for Disease Control recently published the new fluoride recommendations. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of scientific journal articles as a mode of disseminating new fluoride recommendations among dentists. Methods: Dentists’ knowledge of fluoride supplements, attitudes, and prescription practices were assessed during Summer 2000. This pretest population consisted of 400 dental care providers from Houston, Texas, and the response rate to the pre-test was 44.8%. A summary of the new fluoride recommendations was published in the February 2001 issue of the local dental society journal. The journal article along with the post-test questionnaire were mailed to the 179 respondents during Summer 2001. Results: A total 112 post-test questionnaires were returned for an effective response rate of 62.6%. The responses to individual questions were somewhat similar between the pre- and post-test, except for two items. A significantly higher proportion of the post-test group (89.9% vs. 79.7%) thought that fluoride level in the toothpaste is an important factor in determining the daily use of fluoride toothpaste by a two-year old child (X2=3.96, df=1, p=0.047). A significantly lower proportion of the pre-test group (2.5% vs. 13.4%) thought that the anti-caries activity of the fluoride is mainly attributable to the topical effect (X2=7.06, df=1, p=0.008). Conclusion: Results indicate that scientific journal articles may not be an adequate method of disseminating new fluoride recommendations among dentists.