Fluoride supplements for children. A survey of physicians' prescription practices.

We present the results of a survey to determine how physicians prescribe fluoride supplements for their child patients. A questionnaire was mailed to a representative nationwide sample of 2,604 physicians who treat children. The response rate of completed returns was 49.4%. Results showed that while most respondents prescribed fluoride appropriately, there was some inappropriate prescribing for children receiving fluoridated water. Some physicians also neglected to prescribe for children who were not receiving fluoridated water. Previous differences in recommended schedules of administration between the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association may have led to some of these problems. However, these two organizations have now standardized their recommendations.