Dentists' perceptions of counseling methods of tobacco cessation program in dental settings: A preliminary results on study conducted in Iran

Background: Tobacco is expected to be the single biggest cause of death worldwide by 2030. Currently, there are an estimated 10 Million smokers in Iran. Dentists have a unique opportunity for interaction with patients and substantially increase smoking cessation rates among their patients. This study was designed to investigate the perception of Iranian dentists' with respect to counseling methods of education on tobacco cessation services (TCS) in dental office.

Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative methodology was employed in this investigation. A survey questionnaire was conducted in order to collect background information, data on knowledge of counseling methods, tobacco's effect on oral health, and attitudes towards effectiveness of different counseling methods for TCS education. The questionnaire also covered items on concerning dentists' views and their interest in counseling methods of TCS education as well.

In the second phase, 10 focus group interviews were arranged with dentists to uncover their views towards counseling methods of TCS education in greater depth.

Results: A higher score of Asking and Advising practice among the dentists was associated with their knowledge of tobacco's effect on oral health, positive attitude and effectiveness of counseling methods on TCS. Dentists mainly prefer to attend training on counseling methods through a continuing education program. The focus groups indicated the importance of using effective strategies to enhance dentists' knowledge on counseling methods.

Conclusions: Continuing education programs may be useful to increase the awareness and involvement of Iranian dentists towards using TCS counseling methods.