Attitudes towards dentists' involvement in smoking cessation activities among patients attending health centres in Trinidad.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dental patients in Trinidad would accept smoking cessation advice from their dentist. STUDY DESIGN: Patients attending General practice clinics from twelve randomly selected public health centres in Trinidad were invited to answer a 28- item administered questionnaire. STUDY METHOD: Demographic data, knowledge of effects of smoking on health and dentists' role in smoking cessation were determined. RESULTS:340 patients participated , with 93% response rate. 62.6% were female. 94.7% said they would appreciate it, if their dentist provided smoking cessation advice. 90.3% had good knowledge of the effects of smoking and lung cancer and 79.4% on oral cancer. 76.35% of smokers said they would try to quit if their dentist suggested it. CONCLUSION: positives views were held towards dentists' advice on smoking cessation. Dentists should inform all patients who smoke about the benefits of quitting and provide support with smoking cessation techniques.