Smoking cessation as a part of oral health care delivery – Patient's perceptions

ObjectivesTo assess the knowledge of patients about the consequences of smoking on the general and oral health, to analyze the patient's perceptions about the role of dentists in smoking prevention, counseling and cessation and to analyze the willingness of smokers to quit smoking following dentist's advice.Materials and methodsA descriptive study was conducted among a convenient sample of four eighty-six dental patients visiting Dental College and Hospital, in the month of August 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi square analysis were performed to analyze data.ResultsThe patients had good knowledge about the effects of smoking on general and oral health. However its effect on hair loss, aging and wound healing can be reinforced. Statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge of smokers and non-smokers about the effects of smoking on aging (P = 0.008) and oral cancer (P = 0.0012). Patients had positive perception about the role of dentist in smoking cessation activities. Smokers exhibited willingness to quit if suggested by the dentist.ConclusionPatients perceive that dentists can play an important part in smoking cessation activities.