A survey of community water fluoridation in the United States
Date
2008
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Abstract
The geographic distribution of community water fluoridation (CWF) in the U.S. was
surveyed using data for states, counties, and water systems. The distribution of CWF is not
uniform within states and CWF is not available to many small or rural communities.
Explanations for geographic variations in CWF were sought by performing quantitative analysis
using variables related to the perceived need for fluoridation (percent of counties
without a dentist, prevalence of caries, poverty, and Medicaid eligibility) and barriers to its
adoption (rurality, population size). Need was not found to be a factor the adoption of CWF. The
results of fluoridation decisions made between 1980 and 2008 were also
analyzed to determine the effect of fluoridation decision-making structures. The type of
authority was not found to be a predictor of the outcomes of fluoridation votes. A survey of the
dental directors of each state was also conducted regarding states' support for CWF.
The survey results indicated that states use a variety of means to promote CWF. Dental
directors perceived community opposition and public apathy to be the greatest barriers to
adoption of CWF. Recommendations for the future promotion of CWF and suggestions for
further research are outlined.
Description
Master's thesis
Keywords
Water--Fluoridation--United States, Water supply--United States
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x, 117 pages
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CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
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