Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to assess the recognition of dental hygienists of smoking and the current status of smoking cessation support among those responsible for providing such support.
Methods: In August 2020, a self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 194 female dental hygienists who were members of the Ehime Prefectural Dental Hygienists Association.
Results: A total of 124 participants (63.9%) were included in the analysis. Among the dental hygienists engaged in clinical practice, 53.5% provided smoking cessation advice to patients with periodontal disease. Dental hygienists who assessed the smoking status of all patients were significantly more likely to provide smoking cessation support than those who did not (p < 0.05). No current smokers were identified among the participants. The median score on the Kano Test for Social Nicotine Dependence was 11.0, and 47 participants (37.9%) scored within the reference range (≤ 9 points).
Conclusion: Although no current smokers were identified among the dental hygienists in this study, the rate of smoking cessation support was low at 53.5%. Therefore, as dental hygienists are involved in smoking cessation, they require enhanced education to accurately understand the health effects of both conventional cigarettes and heated tobacco products and increased awareness and motivation to support smoking cessation. Additionally, enhancements to the clinical environment are necessary to facilitate smoking cessation.
