title: [Public water supply fluoridation in Brazil according to health sector leaders].
abstract: Various groups have opposed water supply fluoridation in Brazil, while others have supported the measure based on scientific evidence. This article describes the perceptions of delegates to the 13th National Health Conference on mandatory fluoridation of the country's public water supply. Interviews were processed using collective subject discourse analysis. A certain degree of misinformation persists regarding basic characteristics of water fluoridation, which is frequently confused with chlorination. The delegates' discourses showed a continuing need for public awareness-raising regarding fluoridation and the delegates' desire that the National Congress not take measures impacting public health without consulting society's stakeholders. However, most of the interviewees agreed that to repeal mandatory water fluoridation or loosen the control of its implementation could increase the incidence of tooth decay in the population.
authors.forename: Regina Glaucia Lucena Aguiar
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Cláudia Maria
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bógus
authors.forename: Regina Auxiliadora de Amorim
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: Léa Maria Bezerra de
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Menezes
authors.forename: Paulo Capel
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Narvai
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005457:Fluoridation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D011634:Public Health; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards*