Developing a Sustainable Model for Tobacco Cessation by Integrating Dental Professionals: An Evaluation of a Capacity Building Intervention in Pondicherry, India

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Tobacco use is the primary reason for preventable deaths. Reducing tobacco use among the general population is pivotal in decreasing the burden of non-communicable diseases, and dentists are in a unique position to provide tobacco cessation services. Methods: This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) enrolled 78 dentists engaged in private practice at Puducherry for more than one year. Participants were randomly assigned to either Intervention group who received a capacity building intervention and control group that received posters on the 5As of tobacco cessation. Baseline and post intervention assessments measured knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, practice behaviours and barriers related to tobacco cessation counselling using ProSCiTE tool. Results: The analysis was done by intention to treat and per protocol methods. Difference in Differences (DID) analysis was performed to compare the change between the study groups using independent t-test. No significant differences in knowledge and attitude were observed, but improvement was seen in scores of self-efficacy [Mean difference 2.72 (-1.55 to 6.98)] and practice behavior [Mean difference 3.49 (-1.35 to 8.32)] after the intervention. Conclusion: Tailored training programs and evidence-based guidelines could address identified barriers and empower dentists to play a more impactful role in tobacco cessation efforts, contributing to just and sustainable healthcare systems.