Smoking and Smiles: The Oral Effects of Tobacco Use Uncovered
$15.00
Most smokers are aware that their habit can lead to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and cancer. Many, however, are not aware that smoking can have negative effects on oral health, ranging from cosmetic to potentially life-threatening. The following course will provide dental professionals with the information that they need to identify smoking-related oral health pathologies and to help their patients find effective smoking cessation strategies.
This course is intended for dental professionals and dental team members who have a basic understanding of oral health assessment, patient education, and preventive care. Prior familiarity with tobacco-related health risks and smoking cessation counseling is helpful so participants can fully engage with the clinical content and apply the strategies discussed.
At the end of the course, the participants are expected to:
- Describe the specific oral conditions associated with tobacco use, including leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral cancer risks, and other tobacco-related lesions, and their early detection methods.
- Explain how tobacco use affects saliva production and taste, and assess the implications of these changes for oral hygiene and patient care.
- Identify the aesthetic concerns related to tobacco use, such as staining, discoloration of teeth, effects on dental restorations, and management of halitosis.
- Implement effective strategies for discussing tobacco cessation with patients, utilizing available resources and support systems to provide comprehensive patient education on the risks of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting.