Fluoride ion is commonly used in the preventive treatment of tooth decay and when provided with extra fluoride, children living in regions that lack fluoride benefit from it. In the present study, the clinical properties of an intraoral controlled release fluoride delivery system were considered. Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) was examined as a fluoride carrier. Membranes were prepared by photopolymerization and then characterised. Contact angles and swelling ratios of fluoride-loaded membranes were determined. The surface morphology of the membranes were examined by using scanning electron microscopy. In vitro fluoride release studies were carried out in an artificial saliva medium. The concentration of fluoride was measured with a fluoride-specific electrode. The amount of released fluoride was determined and the effects of fluoride loading, medium pH and temperature on fluoride release were investigated. The swelling ratio of the PHEMA membrane was 58.5%, that of the fluoride-loaded PHEMA membrane was 17.8%. Increasing in the fluoride loading amount in the PHEMA membrane accelerated the fluoride release. The fluoride release ratio was increased with increasing pH and temperature. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.