Systemic and Topical Fluoride for Dental Caries Prevention
About This Event
Part 9 of a 10-part Caries Process, Prevention and Management series. This course reviews the important role of fluoride in prevention and control of dental caries, including the history of fluoride in caries control, how fluoride is processed by the body, variation of fluoride concentration in different parts of the tooth, mechanisms by which fluoride protects against caries, dental health consequences of excessive fluoride exposure, primary methods of systemic and topical fluoride delivery, and when professional fluoride treatments may be necessary for high-risk patients. Method: Self-instructional. Date online: Aug 21, 2025. Course expiration: Aug 20, 2028. Approved PACE Program Provider: The Procter & Gamble Company. Provider ID# 211886.
Learning Objectives
- Be familiar with the history of fluoride in caries control.
- Discuss how fluoride is processed by the body.
- Describe how fluoride concentration varies in different parts of the tooth.
- Identify the multiple ways in which fluoride provides protection from caries.
- Explain the dental health consequences of too much fluoride exposure.
- Discuss the primary methods of systemic and topical fluoride delivery.
- Understand when professional forms of fluoride delivery may be necessary.