Perceptions Regarding Tobacco Cessation Counselling among Dental Students and Graduates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Tobacco usage is a global concern and it is essential to curb its usage and increase awareness<br />among patients. Dental professionals' contribution in tobacco cessation will definitely make a stark difference. Thus<br />it is important to assess dental students' and graduates' knowledge, attitude and practice towards Tobacco cessation<br />counselling (TCC). Materials and Methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out among 286<br />students of a dental college in South India. A well-structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaire consisting<br />of 17 close-ended questions was employed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice towards TCC. Results: Almost<br />all study participants agreed that tobacco cessation counselling is under the scope of dental practice and admitted that<br />it is the responsibility of dental professionals to educate patients for the same. Majority of graduates responded that<br />they have done tobacco cessation counselling whereas less than two-third of undergraduates have done the same and<br />difference between two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). A significantly higher number of graduates (79%)<br />were aware of 5A's and 5R's protocol for TCC as compared to undergraduates (50%). But less than one-fifth of study<br />population have actually applied this protocol for TCC in clinical practice. Conclusion: There is a need to modify<br />the dental curriculum and motivate young graduates and students about TCC. This will develop a more professional<br />competence and helps to encourage the dental professionals in developing a preventive mind set about tobacco use.<br />Thus, it will help in enhancing the long-term rates of quitting tobacco among patients, which will prove beneficial in<br />controlling tobacco related diseases in near future.