Dental Hygiene Program
Department of Dentistry
Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Knowledge and skills development for dental hygiene students in Tobacco Cessation Counselling

Knowledge and practical skills in tobacco cessation (TC) interventions are staged through the 3 years of the Dental Hygiene Program. The Dental Hygiene Program consists of one year of university level pre-requisite courses prior to admission to the Dental Hygiene Diploma Program. After the 2 years in the diploma program, students can take the National Dental Hygiene Board exam and can practice dental hygiene with their diploma. We also have the option of completing one more year and obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree with specialization in Dental Hygiene.

Students in years one and two in the diploma program are referred to as 2nd and 3rd year students as they represent students who are in 2nd and 3rd year at university. The final year to obtain the degree is considered the 4th year.

In second year, all students are expected to provide a brief intervention for TC. In third year, all students are expected to provide a brief intervention for TC with behaviour change theory. In fourth year, students are expected to be able to provide moderate level TC interventions, including coaching for nicotine withdrawal therapy.

Intensive interventions for TC take place in the Department of Dentistry Tobacco Cessation Program through one-on-one counselling and follow-up. At this point, only faculty members with training are involved in this. Essentially, Barbara Gitzel (Clinical Professor and Dental Hygienist) and Dr. Steve Patterson (Clinical Professor & Dentist) are involved.

Course Coordinator

Barbara Gitzel
Clinical Professor
Tobacco Cessation Program Coordinator
Department of Dentistry
Dental Hygiene Program
University of Alberta, Canada

(780) 492-1324 office phone

bgitzel@ualberta.ca

Dental Hygiene Program Director

Dr. Sharon Compton
Associate Professor & Director
Dental Hygiene Program
Department of Dentistry
Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
2032 Dentistry/Pharmacy Centre
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB T6G 2N8

(780) 492-6331 office phone
(780) 492-8552 office fax

scompton@ualberta.ca