Detailed results of an online survey, conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology in winter
of 1999-2000....
Results of AAP Member Survey:Patient Smoking
Online survey results of the members of the American Academy of Periodontology
CHICAGO – March 2, 2000 – Below are results of an online survey of members of the American Academy of Periodontology conducted in the winter of 1999-2000. There were 244 respondents.
- During the past month, did you personally ask about tobacco use by your patients?
Routinely 90% Most of the time 6% Sometimes 3% Seldom 0 Never 1% - If you do not talk to patients about smoking, does someone else on your staff have this responsibility?
Yes 48% No 52% - Are you able to determine whether or not a patient uses tobacco products during a routine oral examination?
Yes 93% No 7% - In general, do you believe your patients who smoke have less attractive smiles than your nonsmoking patients do?
Yes 81% No 6% Unsure 13% - Do you routinely record information in patients' charts about their tobacco use?
Yes 96% No 4% - During the past month, how often did you personally advise patients who use tobacco products to quit?
Routinely 79% Most of the time 14% Sometimes 6% Seldom 1% Never 0 - If you or someone on your staff does educate patients about smoking, how often do you believe this makes an impact?
Nearly all the time 4% Most of the time 9% Sometimes 63% Seldom 21% Never 3% - How many of your patients do you believe are open and honest with you about their smoking habits?
Never ask 0 Most 90% Some 9% Few 1% - Do you sell smoking cessation products in your office?
Yes 2% No 98% - Do you offer smoking cessation clinics, workshops or support groups at or through your practice?
Yes 20% No 80% - How many of your patients do you think understand the risks of smoking and using tobacco products on oral health?
Most 55% Some 30% Few 15% None 0 Unsure 0 - What are your best suggestions or tips for motivating patients to stop smoking?
- Do you believe smoking cessation is a responsibility the dental profession should take on?
Yes 71% No 9% Unsure 20% - Would you be willing to do more to help your patients quit smoking if the Academy provided resources or tools?
Yes 72% Maybe 24% No 4%
About the AAP
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at
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