Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol 109, Issue 4, 593-594
Copyright © 1984 by American Dental Association
Should dentists advise smokers to stop?
KJ Ferguson,
HL Logan,
and
PR Pomrehn
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.