Smoking habits and attitudes of oral and maxillofacial surgeons

A survey was done on the smoking behavior and attitudes of 1349 fellows and members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. It was found that only 8% of this group currently smoke, 40% were former smokers, and 52% had never smoked; the nonsmokers were significantly younger than the smokers. The respondents generally did not permit smoking in the waiting room, and were active in advising patients against smoking and in follow-up on their use of tobacco. It was concluded that although there is still room for improvement, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are currently quite effective in controlling their own smoking habits and in helping their patients to do likewise.