The Tobacco Cessation Program is now open at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. This customized program provides individual counseling and personal long term follow-up for those who wish to stop smoking or stop using any form of tobacco. The Tobacco Cessation Clinic is directed by Dr. Eric Stafne.

Tobacco use history, nicotine dependence, motivation, and self-assessment questionnaires are sent to an individual before the first appointment. The first session includes a thorough interview and assessment by an experienced nicotine dependence counselor. This includes information that will effect the cessation effort: personal reasons for wanting to quit, stage of readiness, psychological reasons for tobacco use, degree of nicotine dependence, tobacco use triggers, previous quit attempts, benefits of and barriers to quitting, and carbon monoxide analysis.

Next the counselor helps the individual set up their own "customized" treatment plan. Possible options are discussed, including: behavioral modification strategies, coping skills, individualized quit techniques, support groups, and monitored use of FDA-approved tobacco cessation pharmaceutical agents such as nicotine gum, lozenge, patch, nasal spray, inhaler, non-nicotine medication zyban or various combinations.

When appropriate a quit date is set. A tobacco cessation manual and other written information is given to help plan and rehearse quit strategies at home. A record of each cigarette used is usually recommended and evaluated at the next appointment. Other counseling appointments are set depending on the needs of the individual. The second session is usually set up before the quit date to review the plan and strategies. For some individuals telephone follow-up counseling will be done instead of office visits.

Long term follow-up to help prevent relapse consists of phone calls, letters, and other counseling sessions.

The cost of the first individual counseling appointment is $50.00. Follow-up appointments will be $25.00 each. Telephone counseling is included in the initial appointment fee.

Appointments for the initial consultation in the Tobacco Cessation Clinic may be made by calling (612) 626-0440. Dr. Stafne can be reached by e-mail at: stafn001@umn.edu.