31 May 2018
Today is World No Tobacco Day. Tobacco use remains the single largest cause of preventable disease and death in NSW.
It’s a timely reminder of the important role dentists have in helping patients to quit smoking.
As dental health professionals, we can not only play a key role in identifying these oral health issues associated with smoking early, but also in discussing the impact of tobacco on oral health. A referral to the NSW Quitline is one small step you can make to help your patients start their quitting journey.
The NSW Quitline is a free, evidence-based service that can double a person’s chance of quitting smoking successfully. Making a referral is simple, with easily accessible resources that you can complete in a matter of minutes. The Cancer Institute NSW has also launched a new online referral form and a feedback option can keep you more closely connected to the progress of your patients.
REFER YOUR PATIENTS TO THE QUITLINE
Take a small step that can make a big difference and visit www.cancerinstitute.org.au/quitline-referral to download a referral form.
Dr Neil Peppitt, President, Australian Dental Association NSW, said dental health professionals have the opportunity to make a bigger difference to the health of their patients at risk.
“While dental health professionals play an active role in early detection of serious disease caused by tobacco use, the opportunity they have to play a more preventative role may not always be top of mind,” he said.
“Dentists know that smoking puts people at high risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, pharynx, larynx, or tongue. We see the effects of smoking on people’s general oral health and so we have the opportunity to start a conversation about the impact of smoking. Most importantly, we can provide referrals to help them start their quitting journey.”
Download the Quitline referral form
Download the joint ADA NSW and Cancer Institute NSW media release
1. Stead LF, Hartmann-Boyce J, Perera R, and Lancaster T. (2013) Telephone counselling for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12(8).
