Oral Effects of Tobacco Use

Oral Effects of Tobacco Use is organized by AchieveCE.

Release Date: 06/21/2026
Expiration Date: 06/21/2029

Description:
The role of dental professionals extends beyond just ensuring bright, healthy smiles. In a world where tobacco use is prevalent, dentists and dental hygienists serve on the frontlines of healthcare, detecting and addressing oral pathologies linked to smoking. While most smokers are aware of the systemic impacts, like cardiovascular disease and cancer, they are often oblivious to the severe oral health consequences. These range from cosmetic issues, like discoloration, to life-threatening conditions, such as oral cancer. As dental professionals, it's vital to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify these smoking-related oral pathologies and support patients toward smoking cessation. The course commences with an exploration of the extensive prevalence of smoking within the U.S., setting the stage for the context and the importance of the subject matter. Detailed attention is given to the specific effects that smoking and alternative tobacco products can have on oral health, ranging from periodontal disease to oral cancer. The curriculum extends to cover various screenings employed to detect these conditions early in individuals who smoke. One key component is the provision of practical, actionable strategies for dental professionals to aid patients on their journey to quit smoking. Upon completion, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to discern tobacco-related oral health issues and take an active role in supporting patient efforts towards a tobacco-free lifestyle, thereby significantly enhancing their oral and overall well-being.

What you will learn:
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the prevalence of smoking among the U.S. population
• Describe ways in which smoking can affect oral health
• Describe how alternative tobacco products can affect oral health
• Describe the types of screenings used to detect oral health conditions in patients who smoke
• Identify steps that dental professionals can take to help patients stop smoking

Course content:

• Introduction
• A Brief History of Smoking and Tobacco Use
• The Prevalence of Smoking in the United States
• The Effects of Smoking on Oral Health
• Caries
• Halitosis
• Tooth Discoloration
• Salivary Gland Conditions
• Periodontal Disease
• Impaired Healing
• Leukoplakia
• Dental Implant Procedure Failure
• Smoking and Bone Loss
• Oral Cancer
• Dulled Taste and Olfactory Senses
• The Safety of Alternative Tobacco and Nicotine Products
• Pipes and Cigars
• Smokeless Tobacco
• Vaping
• Oral Health Screenings for Patients Who Smoke
• Steps for Performing an Oral Cancer Screening
• How Dentists Can Help Their Patients Stop Smoking
• Conclusion