Tobacco interventions by dentists and dental hygienists

SummaryTobacco use is a modifiable risk factor for oral disease. Dental professionals are able to reduce the burden of oral and overall health by influencing tobacco use.Results of electronic searches for literature indicated progress in tobacco interventions in dentistry. Patients believed that dentists should routinely offer smoking cessation services, and those interested in quitting felt comfortable receiving advice about quitting. Dental professionals were aware of the importance of tobacco interventions. However, tobacco intervention practices were limited or restricted, and dental professionals have not fully embraced opportunities for tobacco intervention. A consistently reported barrier was the lack of training. Although various factors were identified as barriers and facilitators, few study assessed structure for the implementation of tobacco interventions. Tobacco-related education of undergraduate students has been recognized as an important issue. Globally, the majority of dental students recognized themselves as role models in society and believed they should receive training. However, few reported receiving such formal training.Dental researchers and educators around the world should explore new knowledge and exchange experiences to make full use of the unique opportunity of providing dental interventions against tobacco use.