Tobacco cessation efforts in dentistry: a rural state study.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published Treating tobacco use and dependence: 2008 update to provide guidelines for treating tobacco use and dependence. These guidelines were developed based on a literature review with the goal of assisting clinicians in treating patients who use tobacco products. In 2010, the authors conducted a survey of dentists and dental hygienists in a rural state with a high rate of tobacco use to determine dental providers' tobacco cessation efforts. The study found that the majority of clinicians surveyed ask about their patients' tobacco use at their initial examination and educate patients about the consequences of tobacco use. Still, improvements are possible with regard to identifying and documenting tobacco use. In addition, this research suggests that providers can become more confident in their cessation approach with patients and that additional referrals can be made for alternative cessation services.