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Attitudes to water fluoridation in general dental practice in the North East of England

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Ray Lowry

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Abstract

Objective: To find out the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, water fluoridation of a sample of general dental practitioners working in the North East of England. Design: Anonymous, self-completed postal questionnaire. Setting: North East of England, both a fluoridated and non-fluoridated area. Subjects and methods: Following a small pilot survey, questionnaire to 79 general dental practitioners (44 in a non-fluoridated area, 35 in an area supplied with fluoridated water at one part per million) contracted to provide National Health Service (NHS) treatment in the North East of England. Results: Fifty-five general dental practitioners returned questionnaires (a 70% response rate). Most respondents supported the principle of water fluoridation. Over half of the respondents indicated that they would benefit from more information and training on the issue of water fluoridation. There were marked differences in knowledge and attitudes to fluoridation between dental principals and associates. The sample was evenly split about what to do with a parent who was unsure about (whether to support) fluoridation even after the dentist had discussed the issue and answered questions. Conclusions: The majority of general dental practitioners support water fluoridation although some lack knowledge and expertise which might inhibit advocacy of it.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Lowry RJ, Adams G

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Dental Journal

Year: 2004

Volume: 196

Issue: 7

Pages: 423-424

ISSN (print): 0007-0610

ISSN (electronic): 1476-5373

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4811145

DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4811145

PubMed id: 15071536


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