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Preventive

166 - Caregiver Health Literacy and Fluoride Hesitancy

Friday, May 22, 2026
3:20 PM - 3:35 PM PST

    Presenting Author(s)

  • AH

    Amber Hanson - Dansby, DMD

    Resident
    University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • David M. Avenetti, DDS (he/him/his)

    Pediatric Dentistry Department Head, Clinical Associate Professor
    University of Illinois Chicago
    University of Illinois Chicago, Dept. of Pediatric Dentistry
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

  • Brittaney J. Hill, DDS

    Clinical Associate Professor and Residency Program Director
    University of Illinois Chicago
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

  • Scott L. Tomar, DMD, DrPH

    Associate Dean for Prevention and Public Health Sciences and Department Head, Population Oral Health
    University of Illinois
    UIC College of Dentistry
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

  • Bhakti K. Desai, DMD

    Pediatric Dental Resident, PGY-2
    University of Illinois Chicago
    University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago IL
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • Lisa Rawle, BDS, MS, MPH

    Clinical Assistant Professor Pediatric Dentistry
    University of Illinois Chicago
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Brittaney J. Hill, DDS

    Clinical Associate Professor and Residency Program Director
    University of Illinois Chicago
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: Widespread misinformation regarding fluoride safety has contributed to increasing hesitancy towards fluoride-based preventive interventions in pediatric dentistry. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between fluoride hesitancy and caregiver health literacy at an urban, university-based dental pediatric dental clinic.

Methods: Caregivers of infant children presenting for their child’s first dental appointment at the University of Illinois-Chicago were recruited in this cross-sectional study (IRB #2023-0612). Caregivers were asked to complete a survey assessing health literacy using the HLS19-Q12 instrument, fluoride use and/or hesitancy, and caregiver demographic information.

Results: Thirty-two participants were included in this pilot study. Approximately half of caregivers reported some degree of opposition to using topical fluoride for their infants. Average HLS-Q12 score for caregivers was 89.4 (SD=14). The largest uncertainty in health literacy stemmed from caregivers not knowing where to go to get help when ill (26.7%) followed by not knowing how to use mass media to find information they need to protect them from illness (23.4%). Caregivers reported no difficulty in understanding advice from their doctor or from friends and family. There was no significant different in opposition to use of topical fluoride based on caregiver education level (p=.142). Additional bivariate and multivariate analyses are pending.

Conclusions: Caregivers may best understand health advice that is presented from their healthcare providers or trusted peers, which may be an effective way to combat fluoride misinformation.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by Colgate-Palmolive Company (grant #00805703)