Fluoride prescribing patterns among primary care physicians

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine
• Family Medicine

Background:

• Primary care physicians play a crucial role in preventive dental health, including caries prevention through fluoride supplementation.
• Understanding current prescribing practices for fluoride supplements among military primary care physicians is essential for targeted education and improved patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prescribing habits of US Air Force primary care physicians regarding fluoride supplements for pregnant women and infants.
• To identify physician attitudes towards fluoride efficacy and safety, and factors influencing prescription patterns.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was distributed to active duty Air Force obstetricians, family physicians, and pediatricians within the continental United States.
• Data collected included prescribing practices, perceived efficacy, safety concerns, and knowledge of local water fluoridation levels.

Main Results:

• A low percentage of obstetricians and family physicians prescribe prenatal fluoride supplements, citing skepticism about efficacy or adequate water fluoridation.
• 80% of pediatricians and 54% of family physicians correctly prescribe fluoride supplements for breast-feeding infants (P = .0002).
• Pediatricians demonstrate greater knowledge of water fluoridation levels and prescribe fluoride more consistently for children of all ages.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in the prescribing of fluoride supplements, particularly prenatal, among Air Force primary care physicians.
• There is a clear need for enhanced physician education on the appropriate use and benefits of fluoride supplements for caries prevention.
• Primary care physicians, especially family physicians, require further training to optimize their role in pediatric dental health.