Response: Re: Prevalence and Associated Factors of Fluoride Varnish Application

We are grateful for the thoughtful and insightful commentary provided in response to our article, “Prevalence and Associated Factors of Fluoride Varnish Application.” The authors of the letter have raised important points regarding the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and education in improving the uptake and effectiveness of fluoride varnish application, particularly in pediatric populations. We appreciate the shared commitment to advancing oral health through collaboration.

We strongly agree that the persistent prevalence of childhood caries, despite policy-level support such as insurance coverage, underscores the need for a more integrated approach to oral health education and providing preventive services. The suggestion to incorporate oral health education into Grand Rounds, CME lectures, and other interprofessional training platforms is both timely and necessary. As dental researchers, we recognize that the pathogenesis of caries and the preventive benefits of fluoride varnish are best understood when taught by those who manage these conditions daily. Dentists and their auxiliary staff are uniquely positioned to provide this expertise and to help bridge the knowledge gap that exists among primary care providers.

The concern regarding misinformation about fluoride varnish is valid. During a time when digital misinformation can rapidly influence public perception, it is imperative that all primary health care providers are equipped with accurate, evidence-based information. This will not only enhance patient and guardian education but also foster trust in preventive oral health interventions.

We are particularly encouraged by the call for future research to evaluate the impact of collaborative educational models and fluoride varnish acceptance rates in medical settings. Investigating the outcomes of having oral health advocates within primary care settings, as well as assessing the effects of targeted training for midlevel providers, will provide valuable insights into effective and sustainable models of care. We thank the authors of the letter for their advocacy and for reinforcing the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in oral health.