Smokers helpline project success
A new report has indicated success for an ASH Scotland pilot project where dental teams referred patients to Quit Your Way – the smokers helpline.
Forty-one practices across Scotland took part. They handed out cards with an oral health care message that backed up smoking cessation advice given by the dental team.
Participating practices also signed Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation and took other steps to raise awareness of the impact tobacco has on health and families.
Indeed, two of those involved – Meadowbank Dental Practice in Edinburgh and Govanhill Health Centre Dental Practice in Glasgow – were so successful that they were presented with a National Charter Award in April at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.
David Robertson of ASH Scotland said: “Meadowbank Dental Practice showed commitment to ongoing professional development, investment and training to improve the service they offer. They have extensively publicised their commitment to the charter, especially around oral cancer awareness week and showed that every member of the dental team was behind their commitment.
“Govanhill Dental Practice engaged excellently with the Charter Dentist pilot project, taking on almost all of the pledges suggested by the scheme, including working with local stop smoking services to improve referral of smokers to specialist support.”
NHS Grampian is using the cards and has signed up pharmacies to the charter to help deliver a generation free from tobacco by 2034 – the Scottish Government target.
For more information see – www.ashscotland.org.uk/charter
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