A team of faculty members in the West Virginia University School of Dentistry recently authored an article focused on addressing tobacco use disorder. The article, titled “Motivational Interviewing and Case-Based Learning Approach Toward Tobacco Cessation Behavior Changes,” was published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene.
The report was authored by Suann Gaydos, MSDH, professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene and director of the Certified Tobacco Treatment Training Program; R. Constance Wiener, DMD, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Dental Public Health and Professional Practice; Susan Morgan, DDS, clinical professor emeritus; and Elizabeth Southern Puette, MSDH, assistant professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene.
Highlighting the importance of tobacco cessation education for healthcare students, the report evaluates the effectiveness of case-based teaching of motivational interviewing concepts and assesses students’ ability to apply the techniques.
The program at WVU was also cited in another of the Journal’s articles, titled “Motivational Interviewing in Dental Hygiene Education: Past Lessons, Present Practices, and Future Directions,” noting that the program has served as a model for training at other institutions.
The Journal of Dental Hygiene is a peer-reviewed scientific research publication for dental hygienists. The article was published in the June 2025 issue.
The WVU School of Dentistry Certified Tobacco Treatment Training Program (CTTTP) is an online, self-paced course for professionals in the fields of education, counseling, dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and social work. Participants navigate through four online learning modules consisting of recorded presentations, activities, and self-tests to attain a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education credit. Successful participants earn a Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) certificate to effectively assist those with tobacco use disorder/vaping cessation using evidence-based tobacco treatment interventions. The course is offered year-round. For more information, visit dentistry.wvu.edu/continuing-education/tobacco-treatment-training-program.
-WVU-
jw/9/9/25
CONTACT: Jessica Wilmoth
Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Dentistry | WVU Dental
