Recent Research  

San Diego Citizens Dialog on Fluoridation

The Citizens Dialog on Fluoridation (Effectiveness of Population-based Interventions on Oral Health) was a three year research project intended to provide advocates with a deeper understanding of San Diegans’ positions on fluoridation than can be obtained through opinion polls or focus groups and to improve their capability to effectively conduct a public learning process for fluoridation issues and other health issues that require public support, eg: tobacco and AIDS and immigrant health. <more>

 2006 Needs Assessment (California Smiles Survey) 

In 1993-94, the Dental Health Foundation conducted the first ever statewide oral health needs assessment (OHNA) funded by the California Department of Health Services, Maternal and Child Health Branch and the California Wellness Foundation. This study revealed that California’s children were experiencing an epidemic of oral disease.  

The 2006 California Smiles Survey was an effort to update the first needs assessment and to provide the baseline data for an ongoing statewide surveillance system. <more>