Verifiable Cpd Paper: A comparison of alcohol and drug use among dental undergraduates and a group of non-medical, professional undergraduates

doi:doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4814203

British Dental Journal 201, 581 - 584 (2006)
Published online: 11 November 2006 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4814203

Verifiable Cpd Paper:
A comparison of alcohol and drug use among dental undergraduates and a group of non-medical, professional undergraduates

M W Barber¹ & A Fairclough²

A study comparing alcohol and drug use between dental and law undergraduates.
Dental students are indulging in high levels of alcohol and drug use similar to other groups of professional students.
This study suggests a role for professional bodies such as the GDC to be more proactive in the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse amongst students.

Objective To compare the alcohol and drug use of dental and law undergraduates.

Design Anonymous self-report questionnaire.

Subjects and methods All dental undergraduates (n = 263) and a randomly selected group of law undergraduates (n = 180) from the same university were questioned on their use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.

Results Current tobacco use was reported by 7% of dental students and 19% of law students. Alcohol use was reported by 86% of dental students and 88% of law students, with 44% of dental students and 52% of law students estimating they drank above recommended safe limits (14 units for females, 21 units for men). Binge drinking was reported by 71% of dental students and 75% of law students, with weekly binge drinking reported by 27% and 34% of dental and law students respectively. Cannabis experience was reported by 44% of dental students and 52% of law students, with current use reported by 12% and 25% of dental and law students respectively. A small proportion of dental and law students reported using other class A and B drugs including ecstasy, amphetamines and cocaine.

Conclusions Dental students appear to be indulging in similar levels of alcohol and illicit drug use when compared to students of a different, non-medical faculty. Binge drinking may be more prevalent than previously thought, with potential risks to health, patient safety and professional status.

Top