Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: Current trends and patient education opportunities for dental hygienists

Concerns regarding the overall health consequences, product safety, impact on youth brain development, and possible gateways to other tobacco products of Electronic Nicotene Delivery Systems (ENDS) are increasing. However, evidence suggests little is known about ENDS among health care professionals and the public. The purpose of this review was to explore the literature for opportunities to inform dental patients about the possible health consequences of ENDS and prevention strategies to consider for implementation in dental practice. A literature search was conducted on ENDS appeal, product users, health and safety concerns, regulations, major health care organization positions, research needs, and use in tobacco cessation strategies. Search terms included ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems), tobacco cessation, tobacco use intervention, dental education, dental professionals, dental hygiene, health care professionals and health professional organizations. The following data sources were utilized: PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the Smoking, and Tobacco Abstracts and News Bulletin. Published articles from peer-reviewed journals, relevant websites, and government documents were included; 85 resources were selected as most relevant for this review. Health risk related ENDS research, without updated information prior to 2010, was excluded. Opportunities exist for dental hygienists to develop a greater awareness about ENDS based on scientific evidence in order to assist patients in making informed decisions regarding ENDS use.