Knowledge of primary care professionals about fluoride topics

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Scientific evidence supports fluoride's benefits in dental practice and oral health epidemiology.
• Despite established benefits, knowledge gaps regarding fluoride persist among healthcare professionals.
• This study investigates fluoride knowledge among primary care pediatricians and dentists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare the fluoride-related knowledge of pediatricians and dentists.
• To examine understanding of fluoride intake sources and dental fluorosis.
• To identify areas for improved professional education on fluoride.

Main Methods:

• A self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate fluoride knowledge.
• Participants included pediatricians and dentists in primary care settings.
• Adherence rates were higher for dentists (70%) than pediatricians (34%).

Main Results:

• Dentists reported learning fluoride topics in undergraduate courses (95.95%) more than pediatricians (38.46%).
• Both groups demonstrated high self-reported knowledge of dental fluorosis (92% dentists, 78.57% pediatricians).
• Pediatricians were less precise than dentists in advising on the correct amount of fluoridated toothpaste for children.

Conclusions:

• Both dentists and pediatricians exhibit limited knowledge concerning fluoride.
• Continued education and training are essential for healthcare providers to optimize fluoride's public health benefits.
• Addressing knowledge deficits will improve the delivery of fluoride-related oral health guidance.