Smoking behaviours and attitudes among dental students in three European countries: a multicentre cross-sectional study

Tobacco use remains a major public health concern and a significant risk factor for systemic and oral diseases. Dental students, as future healthcare professionals, are expected to play an important role in tobacco control and smoking cessation. This multicentre study aimed to assess tobacco use prevalence, smoking-related behaviours, and attitudes toward tobacco control among dental students in three European countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students from universities in Italy, Poland, and Turkey. Data were collected using the validated Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 1229 students participated (Italy, 418; Poland, 279; Turkey, 532). Daily smoking prevalence differed significantly among countries ( p < 0.001), with the lowest prevalence observed in Poland (1.4%), compared with Italy (11.7%) and Turkey (15.2%). Exposure to second-hand smoke was strongly associated with smoking status, both at home (odds ratio [OR] = 3.017) and in public places (OR = 2.935). Support for smoking-ban policies was associated with lower odds of smoking (OR range = 0.353–0.490). E-cigarette use was more frequent in Italy (37.6%) and Poland (26.9%) than in Turkey (15.2%) ( p < 0.001). Although awareness of tobacco-related risks was generally high, formal training in smoking cessation counselling remained limited, particularly in Turkey and Poland. Tobacco use among dental students remains prevalent and varies across countries. Strengthening practical smoking cessation training and enforcing tobacco-control policies within academic settings may improve the role of future dentists in tobacco prevention and cessation.