Tobacco counseling practices of dentists compared to other health care providers in a midwestern region

Abstract

Tobacco counseling practices of dentists and other health care professionals in a predominantly rural region in the Upper Midwest were assessed to determine the need for professional education. A survey was mailed to all dentists, physicians, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and public health nurses in a 16-county region. Half (51.9 percent) of providers returned usable surveys (n = 614). While dentists were more likely than physicians and other health professionals to accurately estimate their patients' tobacco use, they were less consistent than other professions in tobacco assessment and intervention, less supportive of tobacco intervention, less likely to report having strong tobacco cessation skill/knowledge levels, and more likely to perceive barriers to tobacco intervention. Three out of five dentists (61.1 percent) reported desire for further tobacco education. For dentists to effectively counsel patients regarding tobacco use, it is essential to integrate tobacco intervention education into dental school curricula and to offer continuing education regarding tobacco use intervention to practicing dentists. Recent state settlements with tobacco companies could provide funding for such education.