A comparison of cessation counseling received by current smokers at US dentist and physician offices during 2010-2011.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the frequency of smoking cessation counseling provided by dentists versus physicians to current smokers in the US.
Results Summary
Current smokers were significantly less likely to receive cessation advice from dentists (31.2%) than from physicians (64.8%). Among those advised to quit, only 24.5% of dental patients received additional assistance compared to 52.7% of physician patients. Approximately 9.4 million smokers visiting dentists did not receive any cessation counseling.
Population
Current adult smokers in the US who visited a dentist or physician in 2010-2011.
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Past 12 months (retrospective analysis)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
smoking cessation counseling from dentists | decrease | receipt of smoking cessation advice | current adult smokers | 31.2% vs 64.8% | significantly less likely to be advised | #1 |
smoking cessation assistance from physicians | increase | receipt of smoking cessation assistance | physician patients who were advised to quit | 52.7% | received at least 1 form of assistance | #2 |
smoking cessation assistance from dentists | increase | receipt of smoking cessation assistance | dental patients | 24.5% | received such assistance | #3 |
smoking cessation counseling from dentists | decrease | receipt of cessation counseling | smokers who visited a dentist in 2010 to 2011 | 9.4 million | did not receive any cessation counseling | #4 |
OBJECTIVES: We compared patient-reported receipt of smoking cessation counseling from US dentists and physicians. METHODS: We analyzed the 2010 to 2011 Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey to assess receipt of smoking cessation advice and assistance by a current smoker from a dentist or physician in the past 12 months. RESULTS: Current adult smokers were significantly less likely to be advised to quit smoking during a visit to a dentist (31.2%) than to a physician (64.8%). Among physician patients who were advised to quit, 52.7% received at least 1 form of assistance beyond the simple advice to quit; 24.5% of dental patients received such assistance (P < .05). Approximately 9.4 million smokers who visited a dentist in 2010 to 2011 did not receive any cessation counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a need for intensified efforts to increase dentist involvement in cessation counseling. System-level changes, coupled with regular training, may enhance self-efficacy of dentists in engaging patients in tobacco cessation counseling.