Tobacco Cessation

 
   
Faculty: Dr. Lyn Tepper  
   
Course Description:  
The use of tabacco products has been shown to be a major factor in the cause of numerous illnesses involving multiple organ systems. It is well known by the public and the health care professionals that smoking tabacco causes lung cancer, pulmonary disease, and other serious conditions that ultimately reduce one's quallity of life. However, the serious deleterious efects of tabacco products on oral health have received less emphasis. Since the route of entry of tabacco by-products is through the oral cavity, the first signs of the effects tabacco use will most likely occur here. The dental professional is in a unique position to identify patients who are at risk for serious illnesses related to tabacco use. Additionally, the dental profession has a long history of direct involvement in preventative health care. The purpose of this course is to educate professionals on the skills, knowledge and attitudes that are necessary for helping their patients become tabacco free.  
   
Course Objectives:  

At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Evaluate a patient with smoking addiction.
  2. Develop interventional strategies based on the patient evaluation.
  3. Know when and how to make an effective referral for smoking cessation treatment at the School of Dental and Oral Surgery.
  
Competencies:  
  • 8. Integrate prevention into all aspects of patient care.
  • 13. Demonstrate competence in applying universal health precautions in the dental therapeutic setting for protection of patients and staff.