Fluoride supplements for children. A survey of physicians' prescription practices
F. J. Margolis, B. A. Burt, M. A. Schork, R. L. Bashshur, B. A. Whittaker and T. L. Burns
We present the results of a survey to determine how physicians prescribe
fluoride supplements for their child patients. A questionnaire was mailed
to a representative nationwide sample of 2,604 physicians who treat
children. The response rate of completed returns was 49.4%. Results showed
that while most respondents prescribed fluoride appropriately, there was
some inappropriate prescribing for children receiving fluoridated water.
Some physicians also neglected to prescribe for children who were not
receiving fluoridated water. Previous differences in recommended schedules
of administration between the American Academy of Pediatrics and the
American Dental Association may have led to some of these problems.
However, these two organizations have now standardized their
recommendations.
