The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is encouraging dentists and dental care professionals to use the 30th anniversary of No Smoking Day as an opportunity to boost participation among patients by promoting quit aids in their practice and local support services available in their area.

The theme of the 2013 campaign will urge smokers to consider the financial benefits of quitting and 'swap fags for swag', on Wednesday 13 March.

No Smoking Day 2013 will officially launch on Wednesday 27 February giving smokers two weeks to see their GP or stop smoking adviser, tell their family and friends and stock up on quit aids such as patches and gum so they're ready to ditch the cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day.

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the BHF, said: 'Dentists have always played a huge role in spreading the word about this long running health campaign and year on year they inspire people to take the first steps to a smoke free life.

'Whether it's a raffle, a poster competition or simply handing out flyers, the end result is bound to benefit many and hopefully help people ditch their cigarettes for good.'

Approximately 10 million UK adults smoke but about two thirds say they want to give up. Last year No Smoking Day helped more than 760,000 people quit smoking and inspired another 1.5 million to seek out information to help them quit in future.

Visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk for more information.