Water Professionals’ Opinions About Continuing Education on Water Fluoridation

Background This study assessed the interest of California water professionals in continuing education on water fluoridation and examined how this interest correlates with their roles, opinions on fluoridation’s oral health benefits, and the fluoridation status of their systems.Methods In 2024, a survey was distributed by e-mail to 10,350 water professionals responsible for compliance reporting to the California State Water Resources Control Board, with two follow-up messages to nonrespondents. Data were collected using Qualtrics on opinions and interest in fluoridation-related training. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used for analysis.Results A total of 334 responses (3.2%) were received. Substantial interest in continuing education was observed. Interest was not strongly associated with beliefs about fluoridation’s oral health benefits but was significantly associated with system fluoridation status and valuation of continuing education. Awareness of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Fluoridation Learning Online was low (12%).Conclusions These findings suggest a need for expanded fluoridation continuing education to address knowledge gaps. Enhancing promotion of existing resources and developing targeted educational initiatives may support effective fluoridation practices.Practical implications Targeted continuing education for water professionals may strengthen fluoridation implementation, improve public communication, and support sustainable community oral health programs.