Sr. Health Policy Analyst California Dental Association
Disclosure(s):
Tooka Zokaie, MPH, MAS, CPH: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract: Objectives: Behavioral science is a branch of science that addresses human action and behavior in society. Understanding the motivations and influences of an audience’s behavior can assist in shaping policies and interventions to guide behavior- such as enthusiastic support for the public health practice of community water fluoridation. Methods: There are six key questions as adopted from “The Behavioral Code” that any oral health professional and advocate can ask to 1) better understand their audience to foster trust, 2) address moral and social norms, and 3) learn motivations to tailor messaging for water fluoridation at the community level. The 2022 California Fluoridation Manual offers strategies for advocacy and policy making for community water fluoridation initiation. Results: Fear about community water fluoridation is at the root of advocacy against this practice. Behavioral science shows that inaction is easier than action, yet inaction increases potential harm. Identifying relevant stakeholders before a fluoridation campaign can foster collective impact. Conclusions: With water fluoridation practices evolving due to the new tablet system, cost changes due to supply chain, and misinformation spreading about science in communities- oral health professionals can be community water fluoridation champions by using behavioral science tools. Building trust and addressing safety concerns can address fluoride hesitancy. Education in community health systems can increase trust in dental professionals, and dental professionals can build trust in population health programs.
