Fluoridation--what the public know and what they want

To describe the knowledge and beliefs on fluoridation of a community served by an unfluoridated water supply prior to consultation on implementing fluoridation.

Telephone survey of a sample of residents and businesses utilising semi-structured questionnaires. Comparisons were made among responses of ethnic and age groups.

Residents were more conversant concerning fluoridation than business users. Knowledge and beliefs among ethnic groups differed significantly. Younger persons and those who had never been married were less knowledgeable. Pamphlets supplied by water-provider organisations or health professionals were the preferred methods of acquiring fluoridation information. The majority of respondents wished the opportunity to express their views via a referendum. Health authorities were the favoured decision-makers.

Gaps were identified in this community's knowledge on fluoridation with important differences based on ethnicity and age. Strategies to inform the public on water fluoridation need to address these subgroup differences.