NDA Journal 14 Featured Article The Use of the Quitline and Our Role as Dentists By Tina Brandon Abbatangelo DDS* A s I began my journey working on my MPH at UNLV, I was asked by some professors if I would consider doing my professional paper or thesis on quitline use in Nevada. UNLV was about to launch a 100% TobaccoFree, Smoke-Free, and Vape-Free policy. This long-overdue policy was welcoming to many in health care primarily due to the health risk of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. I was intrigued by the idea from a dental perspective and the number of dentists as a referral source to the quitline. With vaping on the rise amongst our youth, I knew the importance of the policy, especially working at the dental clinic on the main campus of UNLV. But I was also curious if the quitline would have increased in use after implementing the policy. The creation of 1-800-QUIT-NOW meant that people could call one centralized number to connect to their state quitline, which connects to individual state programs. Quitline funding, has increased significantly, beginning in 1998 with the Master Settlement Agreement of a class action suit against five major U.S. tobacco companies. By 2004, 38 states had their quitline. The CDC additionally provided quitline funding which by 2006 included all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Tobacco users can also text #MyLifeMyQuit (text 36072).This modality may be a better, less invasive approach for younger tobacco users, especially vapers, to get the help they need to quit. Our group began meeting and gathering data from the quitline. When tobacco user calls the quitline, they are asked numerous questions to help better serve them. For example, they are questioned about insurance, their chosen quit date, and who referred them to the quitline. As I looked at a 6-month recap of data, I saw the limited number of dentists referring their patients to the quitline. The NDA and I and my professor, Dr. Tim Grigsby, worked on a survey sent out to all NDA members asking them about their knowledge of the Nevada quitline. The 10-question anonymous survey gave insight into the dentist’s use of the quitline in Nevada. Although only 22 members participated in the survey, it showed where we needed to improve in the quitline referral use. Over 63% did not know what a quitline was, and over 72% did not realize that Nevada had their quitline. 50% of the dentists said they referred their patients to the quitline, and 50% said they referred their patients to the primary care physician for tobacco cessation. Yet over 90% of dentists’ health questionnaires asked about tobacco use (smoking, vaping, smokeless tobacco). When asked in what context the dentist discussed smoking or vaping with patients, more discussed it concerning their overall health versus their oral health; 26.32% vs. 36.84%. Over 81% felt comfortable talking about quitting with their patients, and over 63% felt their dental education prepared them to have that tough conversation with their patients. Over 77% have yet to take additional training/CE about tobacco cessation since graduating from dental school. The data collected on this small survey made me realize the importance of quitline awareness and how we needed more organizational support. I then decided to bring the topic to a national level with the ADA. The resolution was presented to the 14th district to create a task force that would bring a better working relationship with each state quitlines and to mainstream the questions about their referral source. In addition, this would gather better data for the task force informing the ADA where we lack cessation programs, continuing education courses, and dental school curriculums. This resolution aims to create a more substantial, more accurate data source to improve cessation program access and participation by our patients who need help quitting. In return, it will bring improved oral health and behavioral change. The 14th District accepted the resolution. Next, it was presented to the Committee on Dental Benefits and Practice and Related Matters, which passed with a few changes. Finally, the House of Delegates accepted the resolution: “Advocacy for Dentists to Refer to Tobacco and Vaping Cessation Quitlines.” It was resolved that the appropriate ADA agency:
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