Should dentists advise smokers to stop?
This study surveyed 391 dentists to determine their current practices with patients who smoke. About two-thirds of respondents (71%) said they advise smokers to stop. Although most respondents advised patients of negative health effects of smoking, few provided suggestions to patients, referred them to smoking cessation programs, provided self-help materials, or scheduled follow-up sessions. Recent evidence suggests that even brief counseling interventions can help some patients stop smoking.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003376:Counseling; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D000074606:Smoking Prevention