The involvement of New Zealand dentists in smoking cessation interventions.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the attitudes and practices of dentists towards smoking cessation interventions (SCI), to identify perceived barriers to providing SCI, and to determine the level of interest in future training in smoking cessation for dental staff.


METHODS
Self-administered questionnaire.


METHODS
204 NZDA members in Wellington, Otago, and Southland completed a self-administered questionnaire about SCI.


RESULTS
There has been little change in attitudes and practices of dentists towards SCI over the last decade. Few are actively involved in providing these services for their patients. Most dentists believe that there are significant barriers to providing SCI in their daily practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Dentists require greater access to appropriate forms of training in SCI, and increased support (including resources) in order to increase the level of SCI provided in the dental setting.
Brady
S J
SJ
Kew Hospital, Invercargill.
Ayers
K M S
KM
Thomson
W M
WM
Holborow
D W
DW
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires