In the battle against tooth loss and periodontal disease, tobacco use is a major threat.
Though dental hygienists may stress the dangers associated with the use of such products, they often find it difficult to successfully persuade patients to take the first steps to become tobacco-free.
A new continuing education program aimed toward offering oral-healthcare providers a new perspective on approaching patients is here to help.
The four-hour presentation, How to Help Your Patients Become Tobacco-Free, will remind those in the dental world of the effects of tobacco on oral health. In addition, the program will suggest counseling techniques and pharmaco-therapy that dental hygenists may find useful to help jump-start patients to give up tobacco.
“The program is an overview in dental health in general,” said Kathy Seagins, interim director of professional development. “It will also give dental hygienists some up-to-date information they can use when helping their patients overcome nicotine addiction.”
The Delta Dental Plan is sponsoring the appearance of Dr. Nancy Williams, who will be the presenter of the program.
Williams has served for 10 years as an American Dental Hygienists Association representative to the National Dental Tobacco-Free Steering Committee. She serves today as the dental hygiene representative for the American Dental Educators Association.
“She is also a professor at UT Memphis, wher e there is a Nicotine Dependence Program,” Seagins said.
In addition, Seagins said that the dental hygiene department at ETSU, in cooperation with Dr. Rebecca Nunley, will be co-sponsoring the event.
The program will take place from 12:30-4:30 p.m. April 20 in the Palma L. Robinson Clinical Education Center, 325 State of Franklin Road.
Costs for registration are $40 for Delta Dental Plan members and $75 for non-members.
Dental hygiene students may attend for free. Registration at the door is slightly higher; costs are $50 for plan members and $85 for nonmembers.
For more information, contact Terry Means, program coordinator, at 439-8298, 1-800-222-ETSU or means@etsu.edu.

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