Tobacco Cessation in the Dental Office

Tobacco Cessation in the Dental Office is organized by MetLife.

Originally published: April 2008
Updated and revised: December 2020
Expiration date: December 2023

Description:
The tobacco epidemic remains one of the largest public health threats the world has ever faced. Tobacco is responsible for more than 8 million deaths a year.

In the United States, smoking is the leading cause of mortality. The estimated number of U.S. deaths attributed to smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke is more than 480,000 annually.

The adverse health effects associated with smoking are well documented. Cigarette smoke is known to
contain over 4,000 chemical components including the toxins cyanide, benzene and formaldehyde. Exposure to these toxins is associated with adverse health effects, including cancer.

Educational Objectives:
Following this unit of instruction, the learner should be able to:
• Describe the impact smoking has on systemic and oral health.
• Describe the impact secondhand smoke has on children.
• Recognize the behaviors associated with substance dependence.
• Recognize the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal.
• Be familiar with the stages of the change model and the significance of the action stage.
• Be familiar with pharmacotherapy for tobacco cessation.
• Describe the 5A’s approach for smokers willing to quit.
• Describe the 5 R’s approach for smokers unwilling to quit.