Fluoride and Society: Balancing Health and Autonomy

Fluoride has played a central role in improving global oral health, yet its use has been a topic of ethical, political, and scientific debate. This course looks at the complex interplay between public health benefits and individual autonomy in the context of fluoride policies and practices.

This course examines fluoride’s role in dental health, the controversies surrounding water fluoridation, and its societal implications.

Water fluoridation has proven to be a key public health measure in reducing dental caries, but its implementation requires careful consideration of ethical principles and public concerns.

The course addresses the following key areas:

The history and discovery of fluoride’s dental benefits, including early studies on water fluoridation.
Scientific evidence supporting fluoride’s safety and effectiveness in preventing caries.
Socioeconomic impacts of fluoridation and its role in reducing health inequalities.
Modern debates, including concerns over IQ studies and fluoride’s systemic effects.
The ethical and political dimensions of fluoridation policies worldwide.
Strategies for dental professionals to address patient concerns and promote evidence-based practices.

Dental teams should be equipped to navigate patient discussions about fluoride and understand its implications for both clinical practice and public health policies.

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Aim
The aim of the learning and teaching materials in this Dentaljuce module is to allow learners to develop their professional knowledge, understanding, and competence in fluoride’s role in dental health and its broader societal implications, enabling informed professional and community engagement.

Course objective

to update dental professionals on best practices regarding fluoride use and public health.

Anticipated learning outcomes:

Understand fluoride’s historical and scientific role in caries prevention.
Evaluate fluoride’s societal impact, including its role in health equity.
Recognise and address public concerns and misconceptions about fluoride.
Advocate for ethical and evidence-based fluoridation policies.
Apply knowledge to enhance patient care and promote oral health.

GDC Development Outcomes
This CPD will support the learner in meeting the following GDC Development Outcome(s): A, C.

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