Smoking cessation practices in Kuwaiti general dental clinics

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dental Practice
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Tobacco cessation is a critical public health intervention.
• Dental practitioners are well-positioned to deliver cessation support.
• Limited data exists on dental practitioners' involvement in tobacco cessation in Kuwait.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent of general dental practitioners' engagement in tobacco cessation activities.
• To identify factors influencing their participation in cessation efforts within Kuwait's Ministry of Health (MOH) primary care centers.

Main Methods:

• A survey questionnaire was administered to 150 general dentists in MOH dental clinics.
• The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and perceived barriers related to tobacco cessation.
• Data from 145 respondents were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Only 12% of dentists routinely incorporated tobacco cessation activities.
• A significant majority (76%) felt an expectation to provide cessation support.
• Practitioner knowledge (3%) and confidence (10%) in cessation counseling were low.

Conclusions:

• Tobacco cessation practices are not routinely implemented in MOH dental clinics.
• Dentist knowledge and confidence are key factors associated with performing cessation activities.
• Interventions to enhance dentist knowledge and confidence are needed.