ADA TOOLKIT: Referring Patients to QuitLines

A new

toolkit released by the American Dental Assocation offers dentists guidance on how to refer patients to state QuitLines

The toolkit, Implementing & Fostering QuitLine Referrals: A Guide for Oral Health Professionals, was developed by the ADA's Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention (CAAP) in collaboration with the North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC). While smoking rates have fallen significantly over the past few decades, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. In 2020, 12.5% of adults in the U.S. smoked cigarettes. Each year, smoking is responsible for 480,000 deaths in the U.S.

Smoking and tobacco use, including vaping, has significant adverse effects on oral health. Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco can cause oral cancer and gum disease.

Forty-three percent of adults 65 and over who smoke have lost all their teeth compared to 12% of nonsmoking adults. Tobacco addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition, and recovery is complex. Quitting can be difficult, and stress, stigma, and lack of support add to these challenges.

State QuitLines are working to increase the reach of evidence-based cessation services, such as phone counseling and medications, to support people seeking help for tobacco use. Oral health providers can help patients receive tobacco cessation services by linking them to their state's QuitLine.

The ADA toolkit includes: background and rationale as to why oral health professionals should play a role in tobacco cessation, how and when to refer patients using a decision tree, how to include other office staff in the efforts, sample scripts, and answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information on local resources available in Oklahoma, feel free to contact:

Krystal George

Lead Cessation Systems Coordinator

Chronic Disease Prevention Services

Oklahoma State Department of Health krystalg@health.ok.gov

To access the toolkit in its entirety visit the ADA website: