The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: To assist dental providers in addressing tobacco use with their patients in the state with highest smoking prevalence, the Kentucky Cancer Program developed a video self-study continuing education program entitled Providers Practice Prevention: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. The primary objective of the program was to increase awareness of and adherence to the recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, among Kentucky dentists.

Methods: The program included a toolkit along with a video featuring Kentucky dentists. Participants requesting the free offering completed a pre-program survey and post-program evaluation in order to receive continuing education credit. Participants also voluntarily completed a follow-up survey one year after program completion. Surveys assessed objective and subjective knowledge and practice behaviors.

Results: Approximately 24% of Kentucky's dentists ordered the program and nearly 60% of them completed it for CE credit. Participants demonstrated a significant initial increase on all measures – objective and subjective knowledge and practice intentions immediately following the intervention. One year follow-up results indicated that the impact of the intervention was diminished slightly but maintained overall. Participants reported intentions of adhering to the Five A's counseling strategies outlined in the Clinical Practice Guideline at post-test. A statistically significant linear effect was observed at one year follow-up indicating corresponding practice changes for Ask, Advise and Assist. Participant intentions to Arrange follow-up with patients trying to quit smoking did not lead to corresponding practice changes.