Impact of Smoking on Oral Health: Knowledge and Attitudes of Croatian Dentists and Dental Students.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate smoking habits, the level of knowledge and attitudes towards smoking, as well as the role of dental professionals in prevention of smoking among students of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb and compare them to attitudes of practicing Croatian dentists.

Materials and methods: The study was carried out among 1st and 6th year dental students at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb and dentists employed in primary practice throughout Croatia. A total of 159 subjects (51 1st and 53 6th year dental students and 55 dentists) participated in the study.

Results: The prevalence of smoking was highest among 6th year dental students (39, 6%). It slightly decreased among dentists (34, 5%), while least smokers were found among first year dental students (7, 8%). The majority of dental student smokers expressed a desire to stop smoking (66, 7% of 1st year dental student smokers and 76% of 6th year dental student smokers), while less than half of dentist smokers had the desire to stop - only 45, 8% of them. Dental students of the 1st and 6th year of the study showed a statistically significantly higher level of desire for education about harmful smoking effects and patients counselling to quit smoking compared to dentists. The data gathered in this study indicate that it is necessary to increase awareness among dental professionals about harmful effects of smoking on oral and general health. Also, their awareness about the central role of healthcare workers as promoters of a healthy lifestyle among patients should be raised.