How-to-do-it quit-smoking strategies for the dental office team: an eight-step program

Article Abstract:

Dental health teams are important in the fight against cigarette smoking. In 1964, the American Dental Association (ADA) issued a resolution encouraging members to inform their patients about the health hazards of tobacco. Since then, five other statements have been made by the ADA condemning tobacco use. Dentists are ideally suited as stop-smoking counselors because patients tend to trust them and they can provide information about damage to the mouth caused by smoking. These effects include oral cancer, leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth, considered to be precancerous), sinusitis, delayed wound healing, tooth discoloration, and periodontal disease. Nicotine gum is a medication containing nicotine and meant to minimize the withdrawal reaction smokers experience when they quit. Results from several studies involving this product are presented. Dentists should educate themselves regarding addiction and addictive behaviors. Different models of addiction stress hereditary or behavioral/environmental components. An eight-step plan is presented that parallels the National Cancer Institute's smoking cessation program. The Institute has mobilized against smoking because 30 percent of all cancer deaths are due to smoking. For the dentist, the eight steps are: (1) provide a motivator in the reception area; (2) establish contact between the hygienist and patient; (3) give stop-smoking advice; (4) assess motivation and offer help when the patient is ready; (5) set a target date for quitting; (6) take individual characteristics into consideration; (7) use multiple strategies, including psychological methods, nicotine gum, and the promotion of a smoke-free life-style; and (8) provide support and follow-up. Details about each element are presented. Members of an oral health care team have extensive opportunities to help smokers and it is hoped they will take advantage of them. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Dentist and patient, Dentist-patient relations, Nicotine chewing gum

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The National Cancer Institute's invitation to dental professionals in smoking cessation

Article Abstract:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has set the goal of a 50 percent reduction in the national cancer rate by the year 2000, and the promotion of smoking-cessation programs plays a large part in working toward this goal. Cigarette smoking is judged to be responsible for 30 percent of all cancer deaths. The dental team is an effective agent for encouraging smoking cessation. Over two million people in 11 communities have been targeted by NCI for the Community Intervention Trial for Smoking Cessation (COMMIT), a program offering help from 1989 to 1993. This program will be followed by the American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST). Heavy smokers (25 or more cigarettes per day) are particular targets. Physicians and dentists are to develop clinics in conjunction with local media representatives, school, and workplace personnel. One obstacle is the relative lack of knowledge among professionals about the hazards of smoking. The American Dental Association (ADA) is strongly promoting education about this issue and an NCI ad hoc oral health committee has been established. Under its auspices, dental trainers are being selected to educate dentists and staff about approaches they could use, with the assistance of the ADA. Dental communication networks have been activated about the issue. The way is wide open for dental personnel to become involved in the campaign for smoking cessation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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A patient-oriented smoking cessation program conducted in a dental school clinical setting

Article Abstract:

Today's dentist needs a broad range of skills to function effectively. He or she must be familiar with information from internal medicine, pharmacology, and behavioral science. In addition, a premium is placed on good communication skills. The American Dental Association's Advisory Committee on Chemical Dependency Issues put forth a set of curriculum guidelines for dental schools on alcoholism and chemical dependency. These will be revised to include suggestions for treating nicotine dependency. The Indiana University School of Dentistry Smoking Cessation Intervention Program is described. This program helps dental students learn how to counsel patients who want to stop smoking. It stresses creation of a nonsmoking atmosphere in patient reception areas, with information available concerning the risks of smoking. Students and instructors participate in two one-hour training sessions on smoking cessation. Referrals to behaviorally or psychologically oriented groups are provided, and follow-up is performed. Critique of the program is built into its design. After one year's operation, the program seems successful but still faces obstacles in terms of time necessary for announcing and explaining it to dental students. More trained faculty members are needed. Such training can better prepare students for their future roles as skilled multi-dimensional professionals. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Dental students, Dental clinics

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