Tobacco cessation education for dentists: an evaluation of the lecture format

Abstract

Dentists with tobacco cessation training perform more interventions, report increased self-efficacy, preparedness and fewer barriers than those without training. The aim of this study was to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes and behavior of dentists (CE group) at six months following presentation of a standardized tobacco cessation lecture module. These data were compared to those from age and gender-matched controls who did not receive training. The CE group was more likely to feel cessation was very important, score higher on knowledge questions, update tobacco use of continuing patients, ask former smokers about relapse and ask about daily consumption. The CE group was also more likely to discuss the personal relevance of quitting, roadblocks and setting quit dates, identify triggers, discuss pharmacotherapy and provide follow-up. These results suggest that group education appears to be a cost-efficient and effective method of teaching dentists about the latest methods of tobacco cessation.