SONOPS Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study: Study of the Nitrous Oxide Perception and Use in French Dental Students

EMONO (equimolar oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture) is widely used in dentistry to achieve sedation for dental care. In addition, pure nonmedical nitrous oxide (N2O) has become a very popular psychoactive substance among health students. Thus, for dental students, the perception of a same substance, N2O, which can either be used as medicine in the form of EMONO in their daily practice, or consumed illegally for recreational purposes in the form of pure nonmedical N2O, is of concern. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of N2O (EMONO and pure nonmedical N2O) use among French dental students.

A cross-sectional multicentre study was carried out in six French dental schools. A self-administered questionnaire was offered to 2nd to 6th-year odontology students about their position with regard to N2O and its potential use.

The prevalence of N2O use among the 1124 responding students was 50.4%, with heterogeneity according to dental school. 84% of the students who used N2O did so at least once for recreational purpose, while 16% used it only in the context of care and/or training. Students with recreational N2O use were more likely to use other substances than students with care/training use. Nearly three-quarters of the students sought and experienced euphoria and laughter.

Nearly half the students in our study reported having used N2O recreationally, most of them regularly, a much higher prevalence than among nonhealthcare students.

The issue of the correct use of EMONO is particularly important at a time of increasing detour from medical to recreational use. As future healthcare professionals with easy access to this substance, dental students should be well versed in the use and abuse of nitrous oxide in dentistry.