Dentists Can Play A Role In Helping Patients Quit Smoking

Noting that the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is Nov. 17, the ADA News (11/14, Manchir) reports that “dentists can talk with their patients about tobacco abuse, which is the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Dentists and dental hygienists have a unique opportunity to address tobacco use with their patients, according to Dr. Scott Tomar, professor and interim chair of the department of community dentistry and behavioral science at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. “Dentists can ask their patients for permission to discuss their tobacco use and ask their patients how tobacco fits into their lives,” Dr. Tomar said. “Our goal is to have patients articulate why they want to quit, and then work with them to move them toward taking action.”

        The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers resources for dentists to help patients quit smoking, including videos, fact sheets, and handouts. Dentists can also refer their patients to the ADA’s consumer-friendly website, MouthHealthy.org, for information about oral health and tobacco.