Affiliations 

  • 1 Klinik Pergigian Datuk Keramat
  • 2 University of Malaya
Malaysian Dental Journal, 2007;28(2):72-77.
MyJurnal

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the potential role of dentists as smoking cessation counsellors in their practice. The target group comprised of all public and private sector dentists in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (FTKL) and Selangor. Data were collected via a twenty-six item questionnaire which was mailed to 831 dentists. A response rate of 67.1% was obtained. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents (97.8%) perceived that in addition to providing oral care, dentists should also be interested in their patients’ general health. Generally, about two-thirds of dentists (69.1%) and especially those from the public sector (76.4%) considered that they have an important role to play as smoking cessation counsellors. However, less than half of the respondents (40.3%) perceived that patients do not expect smoking cessation advice from their dentists. Yet, more than half of the respondents (55.1%) provided advice or helpful hints in order to motivate their patients to quit smoking. About 65% of the overall respondents did explain to their patients regarding the health risk due to smoking and its detrimental effects. Perceived obstacles to smoking cessation include lack of information between dentistry and smoking cessation (86.1%) followed by lack of training and lack of time.