DATA VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY IN WATER FLUORIDATION SURVEILLANCE

A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Information technologies have been increasingly incorporated into municipal management as strategic tools for the analysis and dissemination of epidemiological and health-related data, including those associated with water fluoridation surveillance. Objective: To report the development of an online visual dashboard to disseminate analyses of fluoride concentration in the water supply of 33 municipalities belonging to the 4th Regional Health Coordination (4ª CRS) of the Rio Grande do Sul State Health Department (SES-RS). Experience report: The development of the Dashboard was carried out based on State Legislation (for the Water Supply System – SAA) and the scientific literature (for the Collective Alternative System – SAC). The dashboard identified 11,827 samples collected from SAA, representing 66.39% of the total. It also enabled the identification of a reduction in samples classified as unsatisfactory and below the state standard. Conversely, unsatisfactory SAC samples with a high risk of dental fluorosis increased from 2020 to 2023. This type of tool can facilitate the production of strategic information and support managers in qualified decision-making, contributing to a more effective, transparent, and participatory implementation of public policies, in line with societal needs. Conclusion: Technologies such as this enable managers to assess the adequacy of fluoride levels according to each type of water supply, promoting transparency regarding water quality and ensuring quality and safety aspects in health care.