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Attitudes concerning water fluoridation among graduating Swedish dentists
Author(s) -
Petterson Elof O.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1979.tb01188.x
Subject(s) - medicine , water fluoridation , dentistry , family medicine , fluoride , inorganic chemistry , chemistry
The purpose of the investigation was to assess the attitudes concerning water fluoridation among Swedish dentists just having completed their dental education. All senior dental students (168) at the four Swedish dental schools were handed a questionnaire during the last week of November 1974. By the end of February 1975, 98 % of the respondents, now dentists, had returned their questionnaires. Water fluoridation was considered by the average respondent to be quite economical and effective but only slightly advisable; 72% expressed approval and support of water fluoridation; 15% expressed indecisiveness; 12% expressed negative views. The negative attitudes were associated with misconceptions concerning economy, technical efficiency, safety, and effectiveness. Many respondents, even those who expressed support of water fluoridation, displayed misconceptions concerning the effectiveness of water fluoridation in relation to topical application of fluorides and to the administration of fluoride tablets.