Effect of Collaborative Intervention by Medical and Dental Professionals on Adherence to Smoking Abstinence

Abstract

The need for smoking cessation care is widely recognized. It is, however, difficult to achieve continued smoking abstinence, even when cessation has initially been achieved. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a collaborative smoking cessation program involving both medical and dental professionals on smoking abstinence. A total of 10 patients visiting our Smoking Cessation Outpatient Clinic were followed up and monitored for smoking abstinence. All received smoking cessation care consisting mainly of counseling by dental and medical professionals and pharmacotherapy. They also concurrently received an oral examination, instruction on oral hygiene, and professional tooth cleaning. The 4-week smoking abstinence rate was 90.0% on completion of the program. One patient failed to complete the program. At one month after the program, 8 out of 9 patients remained abstinent (4-month abstinence; 88.9%). At 3 months after the program, 7 patients remained abstinent (6-month abstinence; 77.8%). Follow-up was impossible in one patient. Within the limitations of the present study, it is suggested that such collaborative intervention including subsequent dental care has the potential to promote short-term adherence to smoking abstinence.

Towards Healthy Adolescents: A Review of Smoking Impact According to Dental Perspectives

“…Furthermore, the dentist should play their role through collaboration with other stakeholders either at the individual level or community level (84). Nishina et al demonstrate the efficacy a smoking cessation programme comprising medical, dental, and pharmaceutical specialists who can promote shortterm adherence to smoking cessation with 70% to 80% of participants remaining abstinent at one month and 6 months after completing the program (85). Implementation of smoking cessation program through School Dental Services also give benefit to schoolchildren which prevent smoking initiation at an early age (86).…”