Consensus Development of Residents Opinions on Water Fluoridation

Abstract

 In Japan, consensus development of opinions on water fluoridation has confronted a very difficult hurdle to realize water fluoridation in spite of being an essential process. The opinions of leaders are very important. Regarding water fluoridation, dentists have to play a central role as public oral health professionals. However, the opinions and attitudes of Japanese dentists on water fluoridation are very ambiguous, and they have never exercised leadership in the promotion of water fluoridation.

 Water fluoridation is a very important public policy an viewing from various angles, such as medical and sociological viewpoints.

 Consequently, we suggest that all professionals and organizations concerned with public oral health should make efforts to promote consensus development on water fluoridation as a public policy.