A cross-sectional study of physicians on fluoride-related beliefs and practices, and experiences with fluoride-hesitant caregivers

Authors

Tiffany Bass, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
Courtney M. Hill, Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
Jennifer L. Cully, Division of Oral Health, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Sophie R. Li, Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
Donald L. Chi, Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Journal

PloS one

Volume

19

Issue

7

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0307085

Abstract

The goal of this study was to describe medical providers' fluoride-related beliefs and practices, experiences with fluoride-hesitant caregivers, and barriers to incorporating oral health activities into their practice. In this cross-sectional study, we specifically tested the hypothesis of whether these factors differed between pediatric and family medicine providers. A 39-item online survey was administered to a convenience sample of pediatric and family medicine providers in Washington state and Ohio (U.S.A.). Responses to the fluoride survey were compared between pediatric and family medicine providers with a chi-square test (α = 0.05). Of the 354 study participants, 45% were pediatric providers and 55% were family medicine providers. About 61.9% of providers believed fluoridated water was highly effective at preventing tooth decay while only 29.1% believed prescription fluoride supplements were highly effective. Nearly all providers recommend over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste (87.3%), 44.1% apply topical fluoride in clinic, and 30.8% prescribe fluoride supplements. Most providers reported fluoride hesitancy was a small problem or not a problem (82.5%) and the most common concerns patients raise about fluoride were similar to those raised about vaccines. Lack of time was the most commonly reported barrier to incorporating oral health into practice, which was more commonly reported by family medicine providers than pediatric providers (65.6% vs. 50.3%; p = .005). Pediatric and family medicine providers have early and frequent access to children before children visit a dentist. Improving the use of fluorides through children's medical visits could improve pediatric oral health and reduce oral health inequities, especially for vulnerable populations at increased risk for tooth decay.

APA Citation

Bass, Tiffany; Hill, Courtney M.; Cully, Jennifer L.; Li, Sophie R.; and Chi, Donald L., "A cross-sectional study of physicians on fluoride-related beliefs and practices, and experiences with fluoride-hesitant caregivers" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 5253.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/5253

Department

Pediatrics