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Tobacco control activities in U.S. dental practices
T A Dolan1, S P McGorray, C L Grinstead-Skigen
1Division of Public Health Services and Research, University of Florida College of Dentistry, JHMHC 32610-0405, USA.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Tobacco cessation activities are not routine in dental offices. Practices and training for tobacco control vary significantly among dentists and dental hygienists based on specialty and region.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Tobacco Control Research
- Clinical Practice Patterns
Background:
- Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern.
- Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to intervene in tobacco cessation.
- Current integration of tobacco cessation into routine dental practice is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of tobacco use cessation activities among dental professionals.
- To identify factors influencing the adoption of these activities in dental offices.
- To understand regional and professional variations in tobacco control practices.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to general dentists, periodontists, pediatric dentists, and dental hygienists.
- Data collection involved mailed surveys and telephone interviews across three U.S. geographical regions.
- A total of 1,746 dentists and 723 dental hygienists participated in the study.
Main Results:
- Tobacco cessation activities are not consistently integrated into general dental practice.
- Significant variations in tobacco control activities and training were observed based on dentist type.
- Geographical region also played a role in the extent and nature of tobacco cessation interventions.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco cessation is not yet a routine component of dental care.
- Targeted training and policy interventions may be needed to increase adoption.
- Further research should explore barriers and facilitators to tobacco cessation in dentistry.