G Rikard-Bell1, J Ward. 1. Needs Assessment and Health Outcomes Unit, Central Sydney Area Health Services, Newtown, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Australian dentists' continuing educational needs and their attitudes towards and self-reported practices related to smoking cessation counseling were examined. METHOD: Self-administered questionnaires were received from 149 dentists (83% response rate). RESULTS: Many dentists were aware that smoking is a risk factor for the development of oral cancer (n = 128, 86%). Most considered smoking cessation counseling to be part of their professional role (n = 105, 70%). However, few "always" asked about the smoking status of their patients (n = 21, 14%). The dentists' use of specific behavioral techniques known to assist patients to quit also was low. Furthermore, the dentists were as likely to use ineffective (advice to "cut down") as effective (advice to "quit") (p > 0.05) strategies. The respondents were significantly more interested in self-help pamphlets for their patients than in either evidence-based guidelines (McNemar's chi2 = 9.76, df = 1, p < 0.01) or a self-study module about smoking cessation (McNemar's chi2 = 42.0, df = 1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Continuing education for dentists that combines skills training, patient materials, and epidemiology is likely to be acceptable and effective.
BACKGROUND: Australian dentists' continuing educational needs and their attitudes towards and self-reported practices related to smoking cessation counseling were examined. METHOD: Self-administered questionnaires were received from 149 dentists (83% response rate). RESULTS: Many dentists were aware that smoking is a risk factor for the development of oral cancer (n = 128, 86%). Most considered smoking cessation counseling to be part of their professional role (n = 105, 70%). However, few "always" asked about the smoking status of their patients (n = 21, 14%). The dentists' use of specific behavioral techniques known to assist patients to quit also was low. Furthermore, the dentists were as likely to use ineffective (advice to "cut down") as effective (advice to "quit") (p > 0.05) strategies. The respondents were significantly more interested in self-help pamphlets for their patients than in either evidence-based guidelines (McNemar's chi2 = 9.76, df = 1, p < 0.01) or a self-study module about smoking cessation (McNemar's chi2 = 42.0, df = 1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Continuing education for dentists that combines skills training, patient materials, and epidemiology is likely to be acceptable and effective.