Perception and attitude of dental students about tobacco cessation counseling in Chennai

Aim: The aim of the study is to asses dental students perception, attitude and their views on anti tobacco counselling. Objective: The study is conducted to understand the influence of knowledge on counselling, the effectiveness of the counselling and how they rate themselves as counselors and the barriers faced by them in the counselling process. Background: The results of the study will help to asses the knowledge of dental students about anti tobacco counselling, how effective the counselling is and what barriers dental students face in counselling and their attitude and views about anti tobacco counselling. Reason: Tobacco use is one of the most important reasons for various oral and systemic conditions. It is one of the major risk factors for oral cancer, periodontal diseases, and other serious oral diseases. As dentists it is our duty and responsibility to advice patients against the use of tobacco and educate them about the risks, oral and systemic implications on the continuous use of tobacco and help the in the processes of quitting the habit.