Dental Scope of Practice Question

[CUninja]

Practicing Dentists,

Do you feel prescribing Chantix is in your scope of practice? Why or why not?

Please assume there is no state law to follow.

Thank you in advance.

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[jay47]

Directly from the ADA. http://www.ada.org/sections/professionalResources/pdfs/topics_smoking_cessation_card.pdf

They recommend it. Everyone should quit smoking, I have absolutely no qualms prescribing. I was taught steps to take to help people quit. People see their dentist more than their physician, and since quitting takes persistence, we may actually have a better chance at getting someone to quit than the physician. Plus, we can visually show the oral effects of smoking, which may have a greater psychological effect that what a physician can just say.

 

[tinman831]

It's within the scope of practice, as is any other smoking cessation drug. As long as you're knowledgeable of the drug and comfortable prescribing it, you'll be fine.

 

[DrJeff]

100% fine

Smoking can cause many different types of oral lesions/problems/etc. Being able to offer your patients some help for them to quit smoking, and hence increase their chances of improved oral health is fully within our professions scope of practice