259 - Attitudes on Counseling about Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess for differences in pediatric dentists’ attitudes between tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) prevention and counseling; and to determine barriers in providing counseling on these smoking habits.

Methods:   A self-administered online survey was sent to members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (n=6918) to assess their comfort and clinical practice in providing tobacco and ENDS counseling.   

Results: There was a 0.04% response rate. A majority of the respondents were female (63%), practicing in a group practice of 2 or more dentists (51%) and in an urban location (79%). Dentists with more years of practice were more likely to advise (P < .001), assess (P < .05), refer (P < .05) and follow-up (P < .01) on patients regarding tobacco use. Similarly, these dentists were more likely to advise (P < .001), assess (P < .05) and follow-up (P < .01) on patients regarding ENDs use. Those with training were more likely to assess (P < .05) and refer (P < .01) patients using tobacco products. Regarding ENDS counseling, they were also more likely to assess (P < .05), refer (P < .05) and follow-up (P < .001) on these patients. A majority (53.1%) of respondents reported not receiving formal training in smoking counseling. Barriers to providing tobacco and ENDS counseling include patients’ ages, confidentiality, difficulty to raise issue and lack of knowledge.

Conclusion: This study exposed multiple barriers that pediatric dentists face in smoking counseling and opportunities to intervene to improve residency programs’ curriculums and communication practices.