Smoking cessation program

Tobacco is the single biggest cause of premature death, disease and disability in Australia (SA Tobacco Control Strategy 2005-2010). Smoking has a profound effect on oral health. Health professionals have an important role in supporting clients to quit smoking. The dental team are in a unique and strong position to help smokers quit. In line with organisational goals, SA Dental Service has introduced a clinic-based smoking cessation support program for adult clients.

Smoking Cessation Project

The SA Dental Service Smoking Cessation Project commenced in 2006. The aim of the project is to help clients improve their oral and general health by increasing their awareness of support services for managing tobacco dependence.

The Smoking Cessation Program provides a referral pathway for adult clients to the QUITLINE. The program combines SA Dental Service’s expert advice on the effects of smoking on oral health and QUIT SA’s expertise and knowledge of tobacco control.

The program has been rolled out to Community Dental Clinics across the state. Smoking interventions are now embedded into ‘daily practice’.  An electronic data system has been developed and implemented to assist staff record and track interventions.

Advice and support

SA Dental Service staff are delivering quality, effective and sustainable smoking cessation support to clients. Working in partnership with QUIT SA has provided opportunities to share knowledge, skills and resources as well as foster closer relationships with other service providers. 

Dental staff are well placed to offer brief, targeted smoking cessation advice. The electronic data system is enabling tracking of the percentage of smokers receiving advice. The program continues to be embedded into daily practice at adult Community Dental Clinics across the state.

For more information telephone (08) 8222 9119.