Dental school-based continuing education in tobacco use cessation counseling for oral health care providers.

The role of health care providers in patient counseling for tobacco use cessation has gained increased attention in recent years. The present survey examined the activities of dental school continuing education departments in providing continuing education in tobacco use cessation counseling to oral health care personnel. A questionnaire was sent to the director of continuing education at all U.S. and Canadian dental schools. The results indicate that few continuing education programs have been or currently are being offered. Respondents to the survey perceived little interest in this topic among their target audiences. The reasons for the current situation and barriers to practitioner involvement are discussed.