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Working With Non‐Dental Groups to Influence Adoption of Self‐Applied Fluoride Programs in Schools: One Approach
Author(s) -
Dulac Mary H.,
Ivory JoAnne,
Horowitz Alice M.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/j.1746-1561.1983.tb07816.x
Subject(s) - medical education , fluoride , presentation (obstetrics) , psychology , demise , oral health , medicine , family medicine , political science , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , law , radiology
Although the use of self‐applied fluorides in schools has been proven safe and effective, thousands of children are not benefiting from these procedures. This paper describes a dual promotional approach designed to increase the awareness of the need for school‐based self‐applied fluoride programs. A manned exhibit providing consultation and educational materials was displayed during the entire meeting of a state PTA and was supplemented by a presentation scheduled on the formal program. The workshop participants were parents of school‐age children; most held decision‐making positions in their local PTAs. Results of the workshop to date include: one participant prevented the demise of an established fluoride mouthrinsing program in her community; and the workshop leaders presented the merits of school‐based self‐applied fluoride programs to a local PTA and a county school health council. The same programs were described in a county PTA newsletter. These actions suggest that, given the appropriate information and assistance, parents of school children through their PTA can influence adoption of school‐based fluoride programs. Furthermore, strategies directed toward members of other groups with an interest and decision‐making role in children's health may be effective methods of influencing adoption of school‐based self‐applied fluoride programs and ultimately promoting children's oral health.