Some Unanswered Questions and Action Implications of Social Research in Fluoridation.

This paper deals with some practical implications of the present research, some gaps in the current research, and some future directions for social research in fluoridation. The articles reported are a beginning of research on why fluoridation referenda have succeeded and why they have failed. They document certain occurrences, and suggest hypotheses for further study. Unfortunately for the practitioner, these reports do not yet present any clear answer on how to win a referendum. While future research will undoubtedly continue to emphasize understanding rather than action, there seems reason to be optimistic that help for the practitioner will be one of the eventual by-products.