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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Susan G. Reed, DDS, MPH, DrPH¹, Terry Day, MD², Kathleen B. Cartmell, MPH³, Nadia G. Duffy, MD, MPH³, and Danielle Ezell, BS⁴. (1) Department of Stomatology, Dental Public Health & Oral Epidemiology Section, Medical University of South Carolina, PO Box 250507, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, (2) Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Rutledge Towers, 135 Rutledge Tower, 11th Floor, Charleston, SC 29425, (3) Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, PO Box 250955, 86 Jonathon Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, (843) 792-8250, cartmelk@musc.edu, (4) College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, P.O. Box 250507, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425

To address the Healthy People Objective 3-10 (increase the proportion of physicians and dentists who counsel their at-risk patients about tobacco use cessation, physical activity, and cancer screening) a survey of SC physicians and dentists was conducted.

The survey includes information about practitioners' OC screening and tobacco cessation counseling practices, knowledge of new tobacco cessation funding sources, and interest in additional training for OC screening and tobacco cessation counseling. The survey had support of the SC Medical and Dental Associations to provide baseline data for development of tobacco-related training.

A cross-sectional survey of dentists (n=500) and physicians (n=512) was done using random selection from SC'S licensing database of practitioners. Mailed survey materials included cover letters (including statements of support from the presidents of the SC Medical and Dental Associations), a 17-item questionnaire and self-addressed, stamped envelope. Reminder letters were sent one week after survey mailing and follow up phone calls were made to non-responders in 2-3 weeks. Double-data entry was done and EpiData and SAS were used for data management and analysis. Frequency distributions and bivariable analyses were done to characterize responses by physicians and dentists.

Study results (available 2/06) provide baseline data on physician and dentist OC screening and tobacco cessation counseling practices by professional specialty. These data will be used to develop tailored educational interventions in partnership with the SC Medical and Dental Associations.

Learning Objectives: