Are dental teams ideally placed to work with smokeless tobacco users? Results from an audit in west Yorkshire.
Julia Csikar, Researcher, Dental Public Health, Leeds dental Institute, Leeds University, UK

Abstract

Introduction:
‘Smokeless tobacco’ (ST) includes over 30 different products. ST can increase the risk of mouth cancer, pancreatic cancer, gum disease and heart disease. Used mainly by South Asian individuals, the highest self-reported use in Bangladeshi women and men. Current guidelines: Stop Smoking Services (SSS) to provide ST counselling (where appropriate), South Asian patients should be asked about ST use and recorded in patient notes, referral to SSS where appropriate, dental professionals should examine the oral cavity for mucosal change.

Methodology:
A piloted questionnaire was mailed to all dentists in West Yorkshire (August – November 2007). 

Results:
60% response rate (524/867). 27% (n=99) were aware of ST use amongst patients, 50% (n=8) saw 3–20% of patients who used ST. The highest proportion of dentists said their patients used paan with tobacco (36%). 21% (n=78) considered ST to be a significant problem. 41% (n=152) were aware of the impacts caused by ST within the oral cavity. 17% (n=64) had received ST training regarding use. 11% (n=43) would like ST training. 

Conclusions:
Dental teams are ideally placed to recognise ST usage amongst their patients. Future research is needed to highlight whether increasing ST quit rates can be achieved using dental teams as referrers.