Attitudes of school personnel and parents toward a school-based fluoride mouthrinse program.

A study was conducted to assess the attitudes of school personnel and parents toward a school-based fluoride mouthrinse (FMR) program. The responses were obtained by administering a questionnaire to school personnel and parents of an urban school system. The responses of the school personnel indicate that they support the FMR program as it is currently structured; they perceive that the program does not interfere with the education of the students and they have willingly participated in the program. The school personnel do not oppose governmental participation in such a program, but they believe that parents should be responsible for their children's oral health. Parents are supportive of the FMR program as a means of preventing dental problems and improving children's oral health. The parents do not object to governmental involvement and funding of the program. They do not perceive the cost of operating the program as excessive in relation to the expected benefits.

Attitudes of health professionals involved in a school-based fluoride mouthrinse program.

A study was carried out to assess the attitudes of public health officials and dentists toward a school-based fluoride mouthrinse program administered in grades one through six in Kentucky. The responses were obtained by administering a questionnaire to health officials and dentists. The responses of the health directors indicate support for the program as a means of improving the overall dental care of children. These individuals do not feel a need for direct involvement in the daily operation of the program. They believe that adequately trained school personnel can implement the program. Dentists also view the fluoride mouthrinse program as an effective means of improving children's dental health. However, they feel that it should be part of a broad scope program which includes public health measures. Dentists are reluctant to support a program which they view as increasing the role of government in providing health care.

Course evaluation by committee.

An intradepartmental course evaluation committee has been established in the Department of Community Dentistry at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. This committee's review of student evaluation mechanisms was a major focus in the assessment of all departmental courses. An evaluation technique, based on a comparison of existing student evaluation mechanisms against criteria established by the committee and approved by the departmental faculty, was designed and applied. The committee was viewed as successful by departmental course directors; however, its suggestions were not widely implemented by the departmental faculty. Several reasons are cited for this, as well as suggestions for future modifications of the committee's procedures.