Dentists or hygienists advise clients. If a client wishes to set a quit date within 30 days, the provider refers them to their medical plan for services. Front desk staff then send a copy of the referral form, medical card and memo to the tobacco cessation coordinator at the client's medical plan. Very few providers elect to develop the quit plan with the client. All clients age 11 and older are assessed.
Providers fill out the assessment form with pediatric clients.
The referral form has been reviewed with each OHP health plan in Multnomah County, and has recently been revised to identify the language spoken and the need for an interpreter. The client is also advised that if they have set a quit date, they will be contacted with more information about cessation services. The new Client Welcome Letter will include information to clients about tobacco cessation services. Provider feedback on their cessation practices is provided in the form of monthly clinic updates on the number of referrals. Forty one referrals occurred from October through March.