Smoking prevalence, perceptions and cessation practices among dental hygienists in Japan: A cross-sectional study

Smoking is a risk factor for oral diseases such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. Dental hygienists play an important role in oral health promotion and smoking cessation support. The aim of this study was to clarify the smoking status, tobacco perceptions, and smoking cessation support among dental hygienists (DHs) in Japan.

A cross-sectional study using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among 1481 DHs from June to July 2024. The survey items included smoking status, secondhand smoke exposure, Kano test for social nicotine dependence (KTSND) score, and implementation of smoking cessation support by DHs engaged in clinical practice.

Valid responses were obtained from 648 (43.8%) participants; after excluding six men, 642 female DHs (43.3%) remained for analysis. Among them: 575; 10; and 57 were never, current, and former smokers, respectively, with a smoking prevalence of 1.6%. Secondhand smoke exposure was reported by 189 (29.4%) participants. The median KTSND score was 13.0, with 188 participants (29.3%) scoring ≤9 points, thereby meeting the criteria for having a correct perception of smoking. KTSND scores were significantly lower among never smokers (12.0) than among former (15.0) and current smokers (19.0) (both p<0.01). The rate at which smoking cessation support for patients with periodontal disease was implemented by DHs in clinical practice was 51.9%.

The study findings suggest that although smoking prevalence among female DHs in Japan is low, misconceptions about tobacco remain prevalent. Enhancing tobacco-related education and training for DHs is essential to strengthen their ability to provide effective smoking cessation support and promote oral health.