Tobacco Cessation: Health Benefits and Interventions

Categories: Health and Medical Topics

Author(s): Dr. Fiona M. Collins, BDS, MBA, MA

Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

Educational Objectives

The overall goal of this article is to provide information on tobacco cessation. After reviewing this article, the reader will be able to:
1. Review the prevalence of tobacco use in the U.S. population.
2. List and describe methods available to aid tobacco cessation.
3. Review the results of tobacco cessation interventions in
dental offices.
4. Identify considerations in caring for smokers and recent
quitters.

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Abstract

Tobacco use continues to be prevalent, although much progress has been made in reducing its use and therefore its impact on health. Methods used for tobacco cessation include behavioral and pharmacotherapeutic interventions, and have been shown to increase quit rates. Interventions in the dental office have also been shown to be successful and result in increased quit rates. Considerations include knowledge, available time, and the individual patient. The dental and oral care needs of smokers and previous smokers must also be considered and can additionally act as motivating factors. Tobacco cessation results in improvements in oral and systemic health both short- and long-term.