228 - Pediatric Dentists’ Attitudes Toward Public Water Fluoridation: an AAPD Survey

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes and perceptions of pediatric dental professionals regarding public water fluoridation in 2025. Specifically, this study aims to understand if attitudes and perceptions have changed for or against public water fluoridation in response to recent public discourse and community discussion.

Methods: Surveyed members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to evaluate participants' attitudes towards public water fluoridation in order to contribute to a broader understanding of the professions' alignment with community-based oral health initiatives in a changing public health climate.

Results: Most respondents agreed that community water fluoridation is safe and that its benefits outweigh potential risk. Years in practice was not associated with attitudes. Perceived benefit-risk balance was the strongest predictor of agreement with fluoridation safety, while exposure to parental concerns and misinformation was not predictive.

Conclusions: Dental professionals demonstrated strong support for community water fluoridation. Despite ongoing public concerns, clinicians' attitudes remain grounded in evidence-based evaluations, supporting their role in addressing misinformation and promoting preventative oral health practices.

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