Mary Elizabeth Miller, Mercedes M Morales-Aleman, Ambar M Marrero-Sierra, Hui Wang, Lilanta J Bradley
{"title":"Periodontal Disease Among People Living With Diabetes: Examining Social Determinants of Health in an All of Us Study Sample.","authors":"Mary Elizabeth Miller, Mercedes M Morales-Aleman, Ambar M Marrero-Sierra, Hui Wang, Lilanta J Bradley","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Approximately 12% of the American population live with a form of diabetes mellitus (DM). People living with DM (PLD) are at a significantly higher risk of developing comorbid conditions, such as periodontal disease (PD). The pathological link between DM and PD is well documented, but the social factors, or social determinants of health (SDH) which may contribute to the link between the diseases are less understood. Our objective is to examine the SDH factors associated with PD among PLD using a national database with the aim of informing intervention strategies for affected subpopulations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Utilizing the All of Us national database, we drew a sample of PLD, including those with and without PD, that completed surveys regarding SDH, their overall health, and healthcare utilization. We calculated marginal odds ratios between each variable and PD diagnosis. Analyses were performed using the All of Us Workbench and R 4.3.1.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total cohort consisted of 7971 participants; 342 participants had PD. Significant variables found to increase PLD's risk of PD included male gender, being a current smoker, reporting inability to afford healthcare, and perceived discrimination in healthcare.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Using a large, national cohort, we demonstrate the association between specific SDH and PD among PLD. Our work underscores the importance of considering these variables for intervention strategies and emphasizes the need for preventative oral care programs for PLD.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147847996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amanda J Llaneza, Kara A Stone, Kimberlee Burgess, Lancer D Stephens, Keri Eason, Annaliese Cothron, Julie Seward
{"title":"Expanding Care-Delivery: A SWOT Analysis of the Community Health Aide Program in Three Oklahoma Tribes.","authors":"Amanda J Llaneza, Kara A Stone, Kimberlee Burgess, Lancer D Stephens, Keri Eason, Annaliese Cothron, Julie Seward","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>American Indians and Alaska Natives have lower life expectancies, and poorer oral health compared to other US populations. These negative health outcomes are somewhat preventable with routine care, but provider shortages, proximity to health services, and other factors create barriers. The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) is a multidisciplinary system of certified mid-level behavioral, medical, and dental providers working alongside licensed providers to increase access to quality care. The objective was to evaluate benefits and challenges of integrating the CHAP model within existing Tribal health systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>De-identified data from open-ended responses related to CHAP expansion efforts in three Tribal Nations residing in Oklahoma were qualitatively analyzed using a SWOT analysis framework. Themes were developed deductively under the umbrella of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Five subthemes commonly affecting existing Tribal healthcare systems were identified. A special emphasis on dental healthcare was highlighted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>99 strengths (36.4%), 52 weaknesses (19.1%), 69 opportunities (25.4%), and 52 threats (19.1%) were identified. Subthemes included: Interprofessional and Community Connections and Programs (n = 88); Technology, Physical Infrastructure, and Resource Capacity (n = 80); Workforce Staffing and Efficiency (n = 49); Scope of Administrative Coordination, Budget, and Funding (n = 30); and Cultural Responsiveness (n = 25). Specific to dental healthcare were 59 strengths (n = 20), weaknesses (n = 11), opportunities (n = 21), and threats (n = 7).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>CHAP has historically proven to be a successful healthcare delivery model for underserved populations. More strengths and opportunities than weaknesses and threats regarding the integration and expansion of CHAP to improve medical, behavioral, and dental healthcare access were identified.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147793411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saif Goubran, Carol Youssef, Anil Menon, Vivianne Cruz de Jesus, Olubukola O Olatosi, Victor H K Lee, Robert J Schroth
{"title":"A National Review of the Interim Canada Dental Benefit: Analyzing the Uptake Among Uninsured Children Under 12.","authors":"Saif Goubran, Carol Youssef, Anil Menon, Vivianne Cruz de Jesus, Olubukola O Olatosi, Victor H K Lee, Robert J Schroth","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The Interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) provided financial support for the dental needs of children < 12 years old, from low-income families in Canada. Funds were distributed during two periods, Regular Period 1 (October 2022 through June 2023) and the Regular Period 2 (July 2023 through June 2024). This study evaluated the adjusted rate of child participation across provinces and territories, proportionally for children aged 0-11 who lack dental insurance, from households with a net annual income < $90,000 (Canadian).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Publicly available data were sourced from the Government of Canada Open Data Portal. Variables of interest were presented as distributions by provinces and territories, age grouping of children, and family net income. Child participation rates were calculated based on Statistics Canada data (2025).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 452,460 applications were accepted, with $440.7 million distributed. The adjusted national rate of participation for children without private and public dental insurance from low-income households was 267.3/1000 children in Regular Period 1 and 273.2/1000 in Regular Period 2. The provinces and territories with the highest adjusted rates were Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories. Families earning less than $30,000 annually made up the largest share of applicants.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Government-funded programs, like the Interim CDB, have the capacity to improve access to dental care for Canadians. The results show clear regional differences, with higher participation often found in regions where public dental programs for children are limited or absent.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147679736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alison Nation, Nicole Stormon, Michael Foley, Ratilal Lalloo
{"title":"Age at First Dental Visit of Preschool Children Utilizing Public Sector Dental Services in Southeast Queensland, Australia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Alison Nation, Nicole Stormon, Michael Foley, Ratilal Lalloo","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70057","DOIUrl":"10.1111/jphd.70057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This retrospective cohort study describes public dental service use among children aged 0-4 years attending public sector oral health services in Metro North and Metro South Hospital and Health Services, Southeast Queensland. This study analyzes age and reason for first dental visits, and whether access pathways, including Lift the Lip (LtL), influence access for key sociodemographic groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed electronic oral health records for 41,614 children with a first dental visit between January 2014 and December 2022. Age at first visit and reason for attendance were summarized descriptively. Early attendance (≤ 12 and ≤ 24 months) was compared across LtL and non-LtL pathways and risk groups using chi-square tests with risk differences and risk ratios.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age at first visit was 37.7 months (SD 17.0). Overall, 11% of children attended by 12 months and 27% by 24 months, and 83% first presented for general care. LtL-referred children were more likely to attend by 12 (27.7% vs. 4.7%) and 24 months (66.7% vs. 12.4%) than non-LtL children. Early attendance remained lower for Indigenous children, those living with greater disadvantage, and Child Dental Benefits Schedule-eligible children, and higher for children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Attendance by 12 months increased after 2016, from 5.2% to 12.0%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Few children accessed public dental care by the recommended age of first visit. While LtL substantially improved early attendance, equity gaps persisted, highlighting the need to strengthen early-referral pathways and parent/carer awareness of the recommended timing for a first dental visit.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147635401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anna Durbin, Sonica Singhal, Stephen Abrams, Ian McConnachie, Janet Durbin
{"title":"Monitoring Use of Medical Services for Oral Health Care to Assess an Expansion of Public Dental Programs in Canada.","authors":"Anna Durbin, Sonica Singhal, Stephen Abrams, Ian McConnachie, Janet Durbin","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Oral health disparities disproportionately affect low-income populations, with cost a significant barrier to accessing dental care. In Canada, individuals with untreated oral conditions often visit publicly funded medical services, which are not designed to provide dental treatment. The recently launched Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is intended to expand access to dental services for low-income populations. This commentary argues that reduced medical service use for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) is a potential benefit that should be monitored to evaluate the impact of the CDCP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Canadian studies reporting use and cost estimates of physician visits, emergency department use, and hospital-based care for dental conditions were described. Data sources for routine monitoring of use were identified.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Ontario Canada, use and costs of physician and emergency department visits, and hospital-based care for NTDCs were estimated at over $29M annually during 2003-2015 (population approximately 30 million). These estimates were conservative, with other studies suggesting higher visit volumes and costs depending on case definitions. National hospital and provincial physician billing databases are available for routine monitoring but indicators need to be standardized and data quality assessed. Stratified reporting can monitor equity impacts.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Medical oral health care use is a potential indicator of effectiveness of public dental programs. A decline could signal improved access to dental services while persistent rates may highlight gaps in program reach. Monitoring this indicator is relevant to Canada and other jurisdictions seeking to advance oral health equity through expanded public coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147629610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
W Carlson-Jones, T Acret, A Ayo, P Westhoff, L A Church, M Ratnaweera, B Christian, J Park, N Stormon
{"title":"Towards Prescribing Pathways for Oral Health Practitioners in Australia: Addressing Barriers to Patient-Centered Care.","authors":"W Carlson-Jones, T Acret, A Ayo, P Westhoff, L A Church, M Ratnaweera, B Christian, J Park, N Stormon","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral health practitioners (OHPs) provide essential preventive, periodontal, and restorative treatment within diverse settings in Australia. Despite their significant contribution to oral healthcare, regulatory restrictions prevent OHPs from independent prescription of medicines, limiting efficiency, continuity of care, and patient access, particularly for underserved populations.</p><p><strong>Issue: </strong>Current prescibing limitations create structural barriers within oral healthcare delivery. In contrast, endorsed prescribing pathways have been successfully developed for other professions, including nurses, midwives, podiatrists, optometrists, and pharmacists, with nurse practitioners and dentists already holding established prescribing authority.</p><p><strong>Approach: </strong>This paper explores the case for an endorsed prescribing pathway for OHPs, drawing on national and international developments, patient equity considerations, and workforce reform. We argue that prescribing reform would strengthen patient-centered care, reduce structural barriers to access, and align OHP regulation with contemporary models of multidisciplinary healthcare. We also highlight necessary safeguards such as postgraduate training, regulatory oversight, and scope-appropriate medications to ensure safe and effective implementation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As independent practitioners, the persistence of restrictive prescribing frameworks for OHPs reflects outdated professional dominance rather than evidence-based workforce planning. Expanding prescribing rights for OHPs represents a logical evolution of their role and an opportunity to address entrenched oral health inequities.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147494946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mina Kim, So-Jung Mun, Sun-Young Han, Han-Na Kim, Jung Yun Kang, Hiejin Noh
{"title":"Trends in Pit and Fissure Sealant Use and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Rates Among Korean Adolescents After Including Dental Sealants Under Insurance Coverage.","authors":"Mina Kim, So-Jung Mun, Sun-Young Han, Han-Na Kim, Jung Yun Kang, Hiejin Noh","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examined the effects of dental sealant insurance coverage on trends in pit and fissure sealant (PFS) use, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) rates, and filled teeth (FT) rates among Korean adolescents, using data from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2005-2024) and the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2015).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from participants aged 12-18 years were analyzed. The proportion of PFS use referred to the proportion of respondents who answered \"yes\" to the question \"Have you received PFS in the past 12 months?\" in the survey. DMFT and FT were classified based on oral examination criteria from 2007 to 2015. Statistical analyses were conducted using Joinpoint regression (version 4.8.0.1) and PROC SURVEYLOGISTIC in SAS 9.4 to estimate the annual percent change (APC), odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PFS use increased until 2018 (APC = +1.5%) and declined slightly thereafter until 2024, whereas DMFT and FT rates decreased from 2007 to 2015. Dental sealant insurance coverage was significantly associated with higher PFS use and lower DMFT and FT rates (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dental sealant insurance coverage effectively improved oral health and reduced dental caries among Korean adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147438702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ishita Singh, Oladipo Afolayan, Sarah S Jackson, Irene Tamí-Maury
{"title":"Dental Care Utilization Among Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals.","authors":"Ishita Singh, Oladipo Afolayan, Sarah S Jackson, Irene Tamí-Maury","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals can experience notable health disparities, including higher HIV prevalence, social isolation, substance abuse, lack of culturally competent providers, and poorer health outcomes compared to heterosexuals due to stigma and discrimination. This study aims to identify predictors of dental care utilization across sexual minorities using the 2023 TEXAS PRIDE Survey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed data from 517 SGM individuals, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and recent medical and dental visits. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of dental care utilization (i.e., a dental visit in the past year).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among sexual orientation groups, reported dental care utilization was highest among gay (23.7%) and lesbian (21%) individuals, followed by bisexual (18.3%), pansexual (11.1%), queer (9.9%), and other sexual orientations (16.2%). Those with a college degree were significantly more likely to report dental utilization compared to those with less education. Individuals who did not have a medical visit in the past year were 0.27 times as likely to utilize dental care than those who did. No significant disparities in dental care utilization were found based on sexual orientation in the regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Higher education and recent medical visits are significant predictors of dental care utilization among SGM individuals. Efforts to reduce oral health disparities should focus on affordable dental care coverage, improving health literacy, fostering inclusive dental environments, and training providers in SGM cultural sensitivity. Future research should explore integrated healthcare approaches and provider cultural competence training to address these gaps.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147380282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thiago Caldeira Diniz, Luciana Gravito de Azevedo Branco, Edu Turte Cavadinha, Ana Valéria Machado Mendonça, Maria Fátima de Sousa, Saul Martins Paiva, Fabiana Vargas Ferreira, Andreia Maria Araújo Drummond, Flavio Freitas Mattos
{"title":"Factors Associated With Health Care Utilization Among Transgender Adults in Brazil.","authors":"Thiago Caldeira Diniz, Luciana Gravito de Azevedo Branco, Edu Turte Cavadinha, Ana Valéria Machado Mendonça, Maria Fátima de Sousa, Saul Martins Paiva, Fabiana Vargas Ferreira, Andreia Maria Araújo Drummond, Flavio Freitas Mattos","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the utilization of medical and dental services by transgender Brazilians and their associated factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 with 549 self-identified transgender adults (231 male, 183 female, and 135 other gender) aged 18-61 years. Participants were recruited through social media using snowball sampling and answered an electronic structured questionnaire. Outcomes were the frequency of medical and dental appointments. Associated factors included sociodemographic characteristics, use of social name, partnership, children, religion, health information sources, perceived health needs, experience of gender-based violence, and type of health services used. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIS) were estimated using backward stepwise logistic regression models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Respondents who attended public schools (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.01-2.88), had no income (OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.01-3.85), and relied solely on the public health system (OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.36-4.50) were more likely to have semiannual medical consultations. Conversely, those who attended public schools (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.09-3.31), had ≤ 9 years of schooling (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.13-2.68), were unemployed (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.04-3.42), or had experienced gender-based violence (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.02-2.41) were more likely to rarely or never attend dental consultations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Transgender Brazilians predominantly used the public health system, attending medical consultations semiannually but rarely dental appointments. Lower education, unemployment, lack of income, and exposure to gender-based violence shaped healthcare utilization, highlighting persistent barriers to equitable and comprehensive health access.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147350141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paulo Frazão, Anamaria Brasilino Snellaert Tavares, Alexander J Morris, Howard Pollick
{"title":"Water Fluoridation: Institutional Arrangements and Regulatory Mechanisms in Three Selected Countries.","authors":"Paulo Frazão, Anamaria Brasilino Snellaert Tavares, Alexander J Morris, Howard Pollick","doi":"10.1111/jphd.70048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.70048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe and compare regulatory processes for quality control of community water fluoridation (CWF) in three selected countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Documentary analysis of printed and online resources; correspondence with key informants from Brazil, the United States of America (USA), and England; countries with tradition in water fluoridation implementation for dental caries prevention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The target and maximum allowable concentration of fluoride in drinking water was 0.7/4.0 mg/L in the USA; 0.7/1.5 mg/L in Brazil, and 1.0/1.5 mg/L in England. Concentration monitoring by the water companies varied; collection of samples at several points of the distribution network was required in England and the USA, while Brazil demanded only one point at the end of the water treatment. England and the USA relied on data generated by companies responsible for water treatment, while Brazil adopted an independent surveillance system that used data collected in the distribution network by the local health authority. A common point between the USA and Brazil was the construction of a nationwide information system under principles of health surveillance that could be disseminated for stakeholders. In England, annual quality reports for each water supply zone were accessible but not routinely collated and published.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Institutional arrangements, regulatory mechanisms, and control, surveillance, and information disclosure procedures varied substantially among countries. There is potential for exchanging procedural and outcome information in order to improve the performance of fluoridation services.</p>","PeriodicalId":94108,"journal":{"name":"Journal of public health dentistry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146230387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}