North Dakota state law allows physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses (RN and LPN) to apply fluoride varnish.
The Oral Health Program provides training to health care professionals on the application of fluoride varnish in non-dental settings, such as:
- Medical offices
- Local public health units
- Head Start
- Public schools
Fluoride varnish is a topical fluoride that helps prevent the teeth from cavities and can prevent the need for dental fillings. If cavities are in the early stages, the fluoride can slow or even stop the cavity process which can save time, money and the discomfort that is sometimes associated with a filling. Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is painted on the teeth to help prevent cavities and to help slow or stop cavities that have just started. The entire process is fast, painless and takes less than five minutes to apply. Fluoride varnish can also be applied in primary care settings by other medical professionals.
Access helpful infographics and learn more about Fluoride Varnish and other Fluoride Products from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Resources
- Fluoride Vanish | Frequently Asked Questions | Factsheet.
- Fluoride Vanish - Spanish Version | Frequently Asked Questions | Factsheet.
- Fluoride Vanish Consent Form | Consent form to provide in primary healthcare settings.
- Motivational Interviewing | Brief on how to guide patient-centered conversations to elicit and strengthen their motivation to change health behaviors.
