Abstract

CASCAES, Andreia Morales; KAMIMURA, Luciana Claro Berben; PERES, Karen Glazer  and  PERES, Marco Aurélio. Knowledge about the use of fluoride in community dentistry among municipal oral health authorities of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.1, pp.89-98. ISSN 1679-4974.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S1679-49742012000100009.

OBJECTIVE: the study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of municipal oral health authorities in the 293 municipalities of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, about use of fluoride in community dentistry. METHODS: a descriptive study investigated questions regarding the use of different fluoride modalities and dental caries epidemiology through a self-completed pre-tested questionnaire, sent by courier, in 2005. RESULTS: the response rate was 43.7%; nearly 60.0% informed the existence of dental caries epidemiologic data in their cities; only ¼ showed knowledge about the percentage of Brazilian population benefit with water fluoridation access; the costeffectiveness of fluoridation was unaware by more than a half of the respondents (61.7%); half of the respondents recommended fluoride supplements for pregnant women; topical fluorides' indication were correctly answered by 63.3%; more than 80.0% revealed knowledge about mouthrinses and gels, while only 40.6% knew about the use of varnishes. CONCLUSION: there is a considerable lack of knowledge about the utilization of fluorides among oral health municipal authorities, suggesting need of training on this topic.

Keywords : fluoride; prevention; public health policies.

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