Community water fluoridation (CWF) continues to be a topic of discussion and debate at state, national, local, and global levels. While many public health and other organizations support CWF as a preventive health measure, differing perspectives have emerged regarding its implementation and impact. In this evolving landscape, it is essential for educators, students/residents, health professionals, policymakers, and advocates to understand how to develop messaging and communicate about CWF that is responsive to public concerns and also effectively communicates the preponderance of evidence-based scientific research. Additionally, this requires structuring and developing messaging strategies that are not only based on a wealth of substantiated scientific and public health findings but also communicating in ways that are clear to support decision-making at all levels. This session will explore recent research on communication strategies that can help convey the primacy of CWF evidenced-based information to various audiences, including policymakers and the general public. Panelists (speakers) will examine how messaging can influence understanding, decision-making, and trust. Insights are further shared to assist leaders in navigating this complex topic and to support the development of constituents’ messaging that is understandable, informative, and which effectively conveys the prevailing body of CWF scientific and public health research findings.
Learning Objectives:
Summarize the prevailing CWF scientific and public health research regarding the impact of community water fluoridation on communities and related removal consequences to develop messaging for a variety of audiences.
Examine current public perceptions and attitudes toward community water fluoridation nationally and globally to inform messaging strategies.
Assess communication approaches and best practices that effectively convey to policymakers and the public the health care and scientific communities’ board consensus on CWF research.
