Increasing Tobacco Intervention Strategies by Oral Health Practitioners in Indiana

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dental Education
• Tobacco Cessation

Background:

• Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern.
• Oral health professionals are well-positioned to address tobacco use.
• Effective team-based continuing education is crucial for integrating cessation interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate an evidence-based continuing education program for Indiana oral health practitioners on tobacco use, dependence, and treatment.
• To assess the program's impact on participants' knowledge and practice implementation using a team-based approach.

Main Methods:

• A 7-hour continuing education program was delivered to 626 practitioners.
• Participant knowledge and application were assessed via pre- and 3-month follow-up surveys.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and percentages.

Main Results:

• 91% initial survey response rate; 40% follow-up response rate.
• Most participants reported enhanced knowledge and planned to use communication strategies.
• 79% reported implementing cessation strategies; one-third referred patients to quitlines.

Conclusions:

• Continuing education can enhance oral health providers' capacity for tobacco cessation interventions.
• Program participation increased knowledge and intent to change practice behaviors.
• Translating learned skills into consistent patient care requires further investigation.