Addressing Tobacco Use in Dental Settings

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is offering dental team members a free, two-hour online continuing education course, Addressing Tobacco Use in Dental Settings, on Friday, May 8 starting at 9:15 am Eastern. Registration is available at dentistry.uky.edu/addressing-tobaccomay2020.

During the Addressing Tobacco Use in Dental Settings course, general information regarding current clinical practice guidelines and evidenced-based recommendations for treating tobacco dependence will be reviewed, and specific strategies to incorporate in the dental practice and suggestions for different levels of involvement to suit the needs and preferences of different dental practices will be shared.

Course participants will hear from presenters Audrey Darville, PhD, APRN, NCTTP, FAANP, and Jill Loewen, RDA, BS, NCTTP, MS, as well as from panelists Jill Keaton, DMD, MS, and H. Fred Howard, DMD. Pamela VanArsdall, DMD, MPH, will serve as the session moderator.

Use of tobacco is one of the greatest risk factors for developing oral cancer. Kentucky has one of the nation's highest incidences of oral cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health. As part of the college's "Eradicate Oral Cancer in Eastern Kentucky" project, the college is working with local healthcare departments to provide free oral cancer screenings in Pike, Harlan, and Letcher Counties, as the prevalence of oral cancer is higher than the state average in these areas. Additionally, the college is hosting a variety of educational offerings, such as the continuing education course. The "Eradicate Oral Cancer in Eastern Kentucky" project is made possible by grant funding from the United Health Foundation (UHF).

About University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
Founded in 1962, the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) is one of two dental schools in Kentucky. In addition to offering a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and several graduate and postdoctoral programs, UKCD conducts research and operates patient clinics serving the community. UKCD is closely tied to UK HealthCare hospitals and clinics. Learn more at dentistry.uky.edu.

About the United Health Foundation
Through collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts, the United Health Foundation works to improve our health system, build a diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities. The United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, the United Health Foundation has committed $430 million to programs and communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at www.unitedhealthgroup.com/SocialResponsibility.