Celebrating a Milestone: Successful Completion of Baseline Enrollment for the Free Samples for Health (FreSH) Study

• Studies

We are excited to announce the successful completion of baseline enrollment for the Free Samples for Health (FreSH) Study, having enrolled 1,200 patients across 56 practices and 83 practitioners! This milestone marks a step forward in our efforts to improve smoking cessation rates through innovative approaches in dental settings.

Understanding the FreSH Study

The FreSH study, led by Dr. Sandra Japuntich from Hennepin Healthcare, aims to address the negative effects of cigarette smoking on oral health. While many smokers attempt to quit, most do so without the aid of smoking cessation medications, leading to high relapse rates. The American Dental Hygienists Association recommends that oral health professionals implement the Ask-Advise-Refer (AAR) approach, which connects patients to counseling but often overlooks the critical component of medication.

To bridge this gap, the FreSH study introduces Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sampling (NRTS), which compares the AAR approach only and AAR plus free samples of over-the-counter nicotine replacement products, such as patches and lozenges, to smokers who expressed interest during dental visits. The study aims to test if the addition of the free samples  will increase quit attempts as well as self-efficacy and positive attitudes toward quitting.

A Collaborative Effort

The enrollment of 1,200 patients is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of our practitioners and staff from the Northeastern and Midwestern regional nodes of the Network. By integrating NRTS with the AAR model, dental practices can support patients on their journey to quit smoking. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of NRTS compared to enhanced usual care, which includes providing an electric toothbrush as an incentive.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the next phases of the study, we will focus on following up these participants to understand  the impact of the intervention on smoking cessation rates. Our primary outcome will be biologically verified, 7-day point prevalence abstinence at six months post-enrollment. We anticipate that NRTS will not only increase quit attempts but also reduce smoking heaviness and enhance the utilization of nicotine replacement therapies.

The FreSH study represents a unique opportunity to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating smoking cessation support into dental care. We are optimistic that the findings will have significant implications for clinical practice and public health.

Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and commitment to this important initiative. Together, we are making strides in improving oral health and reducing tobacco-related morbidity. Let’s continue to work towards a healthier future!