The recipe for smoking cessation

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Tobacco cessation is an incredibly complex topic for dental professionals. In the most recent years, the focus on tobacco transitioned into the focus of marijuana and e-vape use. This transition quickly suppressed the topic, making it more and more difficult to have this conversation in a clinical setting with fellow colleagues and patients. 

As dental students, we are very much educated in health promotions, disease and behavioral modifications, as well as motivational interviewing. However, smoking cessation is not in the curriculum at many dental educational institutes. If dental professionals are not taught the key foundational tools when navigating this complex topic, it’s extremely difficult to obtain and provide the tools for oneself and for the clients. 

Many studies assessed dental professionals’ confidence, knowledge, and preparedness in offering smoking cessation. Many of these studies ultimately concluded that most respondents did not possess complete knowledge towards smoking cessation, and were not aware of smoking cessation protocol and the referral routes that could be provided to smoking patients.1 

So, what is the recipe for smoking cessation? 

  1. Knowledge
  2. Preparedness
  3. Confidence 

Evidence indicated that dental professionals are in an extremely favorable position when delivering effective smoking cessation. When delivering tobacco cessation, patients are less prone to progression of periodontal disease, have less future tooth loss, have reduced risks of oral mucosal lesions and head and neck cancers.1 Additionally, the patient’s quality of life improves significantly.

In the article “Helping dental patients quit tobacco through interprofessional collaboration,” written by myself and Fatima Foster, RRT, we outline the 5A’s to help patients quit. To deliver motivation in the dental setting, use these 5 As to help patients quit: 

  • Ask about use, history, and smoking habits.
  • Advised about health risks and encourage quitting.
  • Assess willingness to quit status.
  • Assist in creating an action plan.
  • Arrange follow-up care.

In hindsight, we must also recognize the numerous barriers when delivering smoking cessation, which could often lead to the lack of confidence and a negative attitude towards smoking cessation. Clients will be more likely to entertain smoking cessation, or reduce harm, when engaging with a health professional who they perceive as empathetic and nonjudgmental.2

In Ontario, Canada, we have several options to collaborate, including but not limited to:

  • Ask a direct peer.
  • Contact your local public health unit and ask about local support programs.
  • Enroll patients at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). CAMH offers the STOP program (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients). Patients who enroll for one year receive counseling and up to six months of free NRT products. This program is offered through some hospital outpatient programs, primary care, and pharmacies. 
  • See online support from CAMH through their Quit Smoking with STOP and nicotine dependence services.2

Additionally, the Canadian Cancer Society has smoker’s helpline, which is a free service widely available for professional and client use in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Yukon, providing many different resources and support symptoms. 

To conclude, the recipe for smoking cessation is confidence, knowledge, and preparedness. As you build a trusting rapport with clients, the conversation becomes easier. Repetition over time is key to keep the conversation going.

References

  1. Chan, H. L., Chan, A. K. Y., Chu, C. H., & Tsang, Y. C. (2023a, September 21). Smoking cessation in dental setting: A narrative review on Dental Professionals’ attitude, preparedness, practices and barriers. Frontiers in oral health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10552527/ Accessed November 3rd, 2024. 
  2. Fatima Foster, R., & Whitney Foster, R. (2024, January 16). Helping dental patients quit tobacco through interprofessional collaboration. Registered Dental Hygienists. https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/14302746/helping-dental-patients-quit-tobacco-through-interprofessional-collaboration /Accessed November 3rd, 2024.

About the Author

With a passion for oral health and its relationship to overall health, Whitney strives to support and mentor fellow and aspiring dental professionals. Whitney Foster believes that advocating within the industry will help aid in advocating for our clients/patients. In the last year Whitney has been an author, mentor, speaker and had the opportunity to develop a professional development course on smoking cessation and interprofessionalism, two sectors that she is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about.