Advocating for Oral Health Through Fluoridation

NASN Sch Nurse. 2019 Sep;34(5):288-294. doi: 10.1177/1942602X19831655. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Abstract

Eight school nurses attended the American Academy of Pediatrics' Campaign for Dental Health meeting in March 2018, which focused on community water fluoridation programs. Because of aging infrastructure and antifluoridation community activists, some communities are considering stopping fluoridation programs. The benefits of water fluoridation have been demonstrated since the 1950s. School nurses can play a vital role in advocating for evidence-based fluoridation programs within their community. This article informs the school nurse on the benefits of water fluoridation for promoting community health and methods to advocate for those measures-key practice components of the leadership and community/public health principles of "Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice™."

Keywords: advocacy; collaboration; fluoridation; health promotion; oral health.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Advocacy*
  • Dental Caries / nursing*
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control
  • Fluoridation*
  • Humans
  • Oral Health
  • School Nursing
  • United States