Dental professionals' opinions and knowledge of smoking cessation and electronic cigarettes: a cross-sectional survey in the north of England

Aims To determine the current level of knowledge and opinions of UK dental professionals with regards to smoking cessation and e-cigarettes. Method A self-administered online survey was distributed by postal invitation to all dental practices in the north of England registered on the National Health Service (NHS) Choices website. Findings One hundred and ninety completed questionnaires were received. Seventy-nine percent of respondents reported always enquiring about the smoking status of their patients with 17% completing referrals to a specialist stop smoking service. Just under half of respondents reported not receiving any smoking cessation advice training. Lack of time during appointments, lack of training and lack of perceived interest by patients were reported as the most important barriers. The importance of a lack of remuneration, as a barrier, varied considerably with professional role. Approximately a third (31%) of respondents were of the opinion that e-cigarettes are more or equally harmful than cigarettes with the majority not aware of any guidance documents or recommendations regarding e-cigarettes. Conclusion The majority of dental professionals in the north of England reported providing smoking cessation advice, although only half had training on this. Opinions on electronic cigarettes were mixed, with a third having negative views.