Tobacco cessation services in dental offices. Are we doing all we can?

Approximately 8,000 people die of oral and pharyngeal cancers every year in the United States. Approximately 70% of these deaths are related to smoking and other forms of tobacco use. Previous studies have shown that tobacco cessation services are underutilized in dental practice. A survey was mailed to 700 dentists in New York State. A total of 364 dentists (58.5%) responded to either the long survey or postcard. Although over 90% of dentists had asked at least one patient in the prior three months about his or her smoking status, only 37% had asked this question of most or nearly all patients. Variables that were associated with the provision of tobacco cessation services included level of preparedness, training and being a periodontist. Perceived barriers included lack of time and reimbursement, and patient resistance. These results suggest that training programs and professional perceptions of responsibilities are related to dentists' provision of tobacco cessation services, findings that could have a significant impact on future policy initiatives and educational endeavors.