Knowledge and Perceptions of Dentists Regarding E-Cigarettes: Implications for Oral Health and Public Awareness and Education
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design and Participants
2.2. Ethical Considerations
2.3. Survey Instrument
2.3.1. Participant Demographics
2.3.2. Analysis of Dentists’ E-Cigarette and Tobacco Usage Patterns
- Identifying the percentage of dentists who use e-cigarettes or tobacco.
- Determining the frequency and duration of e-cigarette use among dentists.
- Comparing usage patterns based on gender, specialization, and years of practice.
2.3.3. Knowledge of the Health Effects of E-Cigarettes
- Assessing knowledge of the overall health risks and benefits associated with e-cigarettes.
- Evaluating awareness of regulatory approval, such as FDA certification, and perceptions of their safety.
2.3.4. Knowledge of Oral Health Impacts of E-Cigarettes
- Understanding the association between e-cigarettes and oral health issues, such as caries, periodontal disease, xerostomia, and mucosal lesions.
- Assessing the impact of e-cigarettes on the oral microbiome and related disorders.
- Comparing the long-term effects of e-cigarettes on oral health to those of traditional tobacco products.
2.4. Data Analysis
3. Results
3.1. General Characteristics of Participants
3.2. Use of E-Cigarettes by Gender
3.3. Use of E-Cigarettes by Professional Training
3.4. Knowledge and Perceptions of E-Cigarette Safety, Health Effects, and Usage Implications
3.5. Knowledge and Perceptions of E-Cigarettes by Professional Training
3.6. Perceptions of the Oral Health Effects of E-Cigarettes by Gender
3.7. Perceptions of the Oral Health Effects of E-Cigarettes by Professional Training
4. Discussion
- Dissemination of Health Risk Information: The WHO emphasizes the importance of educating the public and healthcare professionals about the health risks of e-cigarette use, including potential harmful effects on oral health, such as damage to gum tissue and an increased risk of oral diseases.
- Regulation of E-Cigarette Sales and Use: The WHO recommends that countries enforce strict regulations on the sale and use of e-cigarettes, including banning their sale to minors and prohibiting their use in public spaces.
- Further Research and Studies: The WHO encourages continued research to gain a better understanding of the long-term effects of e-cigarettes on both oral and general health, including studies on the impact of different components in e-cigarette liquids.
- Support for Healthcare Professionals: The WHO underscores the importance of training dentists and other healthcare professionals to recognize and address the oral health consequences of e-cigarette use, ensuring that they stay informed about risks and treatment recommendations.
- Public Education: The WHO supports initiatives to educate the public about e-cigarettes and their potential risks, emphasizing that they are not a risk-free alternative to conventional tobacco.
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Female | Male | Total | p-Value | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
N | % | N | % | N | % | ||
Total | 108 | 100.0 | 81 | 100.0 | 189 | 100.0 | |
Have you ever used e-cigarettes or tobacco? | |||||||
Yes | 39 | 36.1 | 48 | 59.3 | 87 | 46.0 | p = 0.003 |
No | 69 | 63.9 | 33 | 40.7 | 102 | 54.0 | |
Does any member of your family use e-cigarettes? | |||||||
Yes | 46 | 42.6 | 37 | 45.7 | 83 | 43.9 | p = 0.783 |
No | 62 | 57.4 | 44 | 54.3 | 106 | 56.1 | |
Do you use tobacco or e-cigarettes? | |||||||
E-cigarettes | 11 | 10.2 | 7 | 8.6 | 18 | 9.5 | * p = 0.026 |
None * | 74 | 68.5 | 44 | 54.3 | 118 | 62.4 | |
Both | 7 | 6.5 | 3 | 3.7 | 10 | 5.3 | |
Only tobacco | 16 | 14.8 | 27 | 33.3 | 43 | 22.8 | |
How long have you been using e-cigarettes? | |||||||
Did not use it | 84 | 77.8 | 60 | 74.1 | 144 | 76.2 | p = 0.814 |
1–2 months | 3 | 2.8 | - | - | 3 | 1.6 | |
1–2 years | 7 | 6.5 | 8 | 9.9 | 15 | 7.9 | |
>2 years | 14 | 13.0 | 13 | 16.0 | 27 | 14.3 | |
Approximately, how much do you consume e-cigarettes during the day? | |||||||
<20 times a day | 4 | 3.7 | 6 | 7.4 | 10 | 5.3 | p = 0.267 |
≥20 times a day | 2 | 1.9 | 4 | 4.9 | 6 | 3.2 | |
Did not use it | 88 | 81.5 | 65 | 80.2 | 153 | 81.0 | |
A few times a day | 14 | 13.0 | 6 | 7.4 | 20 | 10.6 |
Dentist | Specialist | p-Value | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
N | % | N | % | ||
Total | 103 | 100.0 | 86 | 100.0 | |
Gender | |||||
F | 53 | 51.5 | 55 | 64.0 | p = 0.114 |
M | 50 | 48.5 | 31 | 36.0 | |
Have you ever used e-cigarettes or tobacco? | |||||
Yes | 47 | 45.6 | 40 | 46.5 | p = 0.904 |
No | 56 | 54.4 | 46 | 53.5 | |
Does any member of your family use e-cigarettes? | |||||
Yes | 47 | 45.6 | 36 | 41.9 | p = 0.709 |
No | 56 | 54.4 | 50 | 58.1 | |
Do you use tobacco or e-cigarettes? | |||||
E- cigarettes | 8 | 7.8 | 10 | 11.6 | p = 0.629 |
Not anyone | 64 | 62.1 | 54 | 62.8 | |
Both | 7 | 6.8 | 3 | 3.5 | |
Only tobacco | 24 | 23.3 | 19 | 22.1 | |
How long have you been using e-cigarettes? | |||||
Did not use it | 81 | 78.6 | 63 | 73.3 | p = 0.690 |
1–2 months | 2 | 1.9 | 1 | 1.2 | |
1–2 years | 8 | 7.8 | 7 | 8.1 | |
>2 years | 12 | 11.7 | 15 | 17.4 | |
Approximately, how much do you consume e-cigarettes during the day? | |||||
Did not use it | 84 | 81.6 | 69 | 80.2 | p = 0.217 |
A few a day | 11 | 10.7 | 9 | 10.5 | |
<20 times a day | 3 | 2.9 | 7 | 8.1 | |
≥20 times a day | 5 | 4.9 | 1 | 1.2 |
Female | Male | Total | p-Value | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
N | % | N | % | N | % | ||
Total | 108 | 100.0 | 81 | 100.0 | 189 | 100.0 | |
Are e-cigarettes FDA-approved as safe for consumption? | |||||||
Yes * | 1 | 0.9 | 6 | 7.4 | 7 | 3.7 | * p = 0.047 |
No | 27 | 25.0 | 15 | 18.5 | 42 | 22.2 | |
I don’t know | 80 | 74.1 | 60 | 74.1 | 140 | 74.1 | |
Are e-cigarettes harmful to general and oral health? | |||||||
Yes | 92 | 85.2 | 63 | 77.8 | 155 | 82.0 | p = 0.373 |
No | 1 | 0.9 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 1.6 | |
I don’t know | 15 | 13.9 | 16 | 19.8 | 31 | 16.4 | |
Does the use of e-cigarettes have no effect on passive smoking? | |||||||
Yes | 23 | 21.3 | 19 | 23.5 | 42 | 22.2 | p = 0.485 |
No | 28 | 25.9 | 15 | 18.5 | 43 | 22.8 | |
I don’t know | 57 | 52.8 | 47 | 58.0 | 104 | 55.0 | |
Are e-cigarettes less harmful than tobacco cigarettes? | |||||||
Yes | 19 | 17.6 | 18 | 22.2 | 37 | 19.6 | p = 0.253 |
No | 46 | 42.6 | 25 | 30.9 | 71 | 37.6 | |
I don’t know | 43 | 39.8 | 38 | 46.9 | 81 | 42.9 | |
Do e-cigarettes help to relieve daily stress? | |||||||
Yes | 18 | 16.7 | 15 | 18.5 | 33 | 17.5 | p = 0.944 |
No | 36 | 33.3 | 26 | 32.1 | 62 | 32.8 | |
I don’t know | 54 | 50.0 | 40 | 49.4 | 94 | 49.7 | |
Although there are not many long-term studies on the effects of e-cigarettes, do they have fewer side effects on patients than tobacco cigarettes? | |||||||
Yes | 21 | 19.4 | 21 | 25.9 | 42 | 22.2 | p = 0.325 |
No | 32 | 29.6 | 17 | 21.0 | 49 | 25.9 | |
I don’t know | 55 | 50.9 | 43 | 53.1 | 98 | 51.9 | |
Do e-cigarettes create addiction? | |||||||
Yes | 56 | 51.9 | 36 | 44.4 | 92 | 48.7 | p = 0.487 |
No | 12 | 11.1 | 8 | 9.9 | 20 | 10.6 | |
I don’t know | 40 | 37.0 | 37 | 45.7 | 77 | 40.7 | |
Are e-cigarettes less carcinogenic than tobacco cigarettes? | |||||||
Yes | 15 | 13.9 | 16 | 19.8 | 31 | 16.4 | p = 0.398 |
No | 39 | 36.1 | 23 | 28.4 | 62 | 32.8 | |
I don’t know | 54 | 50.0 | 42 | 51.9 | 96 | 50.8 | |
Do you believe that e-cigarettes help to stop or reduce smoking? | |||||||
Yes | 19 | 17.6 | 23 | 28.4 | 42 | 22.2 | p = 0.197 |
No | 48 | 44.4 | 33 | 40.7 | 81 | 42.9 | |
I don’t know | 41 | 38.0 | 25 | 30.9 | 66 | 34.9 | |
Do you know the composition of electronic cigarettes? | |||||||
Yes | 33 | 30.6 | 27 | 33.3 | 60 | 31.7 | p = 0.737 |
No | 35 | 32.4 | 22 | 27.2 | 57 | 30.2 | |
I don’t know | 40 | 37.0 | 32 | 39.5 | 72 | 38.1 |
Dentist | Specialist | p-Value | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
N | % | N | % | ||
Total | 103 | 100.0 | 86 | 100.0 | |
Are e-cigarettes FDA-approved as safe for consumption? | |||||
Yes | 3 | 2.9 | 4 | 4.7 | p = 0.454 |
No | 20 | 19.4 | 22 | 25.6 | |
I don’t know | 80 | 77.7 | 60 | 69.8 | |
Are e-cigarettes harmful to general and oral health? | |||||
Yes | 84 | 81.6 | 71 | 82.6 | p = 0.702 |
No | 1 | 1.0 | 2 | 2.3 | |
I don’t know | 18 | 17.5 | 13 | 15.1 | |
Does the use of e-cigarettes have no effect on passive smoking? | |||||
Yes | 24 | 23.3 | 18 | 20.9 | p = 0.078 |
No | 17 | 16.5 | 26 | 30.2 | |
I don’t know | 62 | 60.2 | 42 | 48.8 | |
Are e-cigarettes less harmful than tobacco cigarettes? | |||||
Yes | 20 | 19.4 | 17 | 19.8 | p = 0.967 |
No | 38 | 36.9 | 33 | 38.4 | |
I don’t know | 45 | 43.7 | 36 | 41.9 | |
Do e-cigarettes help to relieve daily stress? | |||||
Yes | 14 | 13.6 | 19 | 22.1 | p = 0.228 |
No | 33 | 32.0 | 29 | 33.7 | |
I don’t know | 56 | 54.4 | 38 | 44.2 | |
Although there are not many long-term studies on the effects of e-cigarettes, do they have fewer side effects on patients than tobacco cigarettes? | |||||
Yes | 24 | 23.3 | 18 | 20.9 | p = 0.078 |
No | 20 | 19.4 | 29 | 33.7 | |
I don’t know | 59 | 57.3 | 39 | 45.3 | |
Do e-cigarettes create addiction? | |||||
Yes | 55 | 53.4 | 37 | 43.0 | p = 0.107 |
No | 13 | 12.6 | 7 | 8.1 | |
I don’t know | 35 | 34.0 | 42 | 48.8 | |
Are e-cigarettes less carcinogenic than tobacco cigarettes? | |||||
Yes | 17 | 16.5 | 14 | 16.3 | p = 0.471 |
No | 30 | 29.1 | 32 | 37.2 | |
I don’t know | 56 | 54.4 | 40 | 46.5 | |
Do you believe that e-cigarettes help to stop or reduce smoking? | |||||
Yes | 28 | 27.2 | 14 | 16.3 | p = 0.134 |
No | 44 | 42.7 | 37 | 43.0 | |
I don’t know | 31 | 30.1 | 35 | 40.7 | |
Do you know the composition of electronic cigarettes? | |||||
Yes | 29 | 28.2 | 31 | 36.0 | p = 0.458 |
No | 34 | 33.0 | 23 | 26.7 | |
I don’t know | 40 | 38.8 | 32 | 37.2 |
Female | Male | Total | p-Value | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
N | % | N | % | N | % | ||
Total | 108 | 100.0 | 81 | 100.0 | 189 | 100.0 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect the increase in the incidence of caries? | |||||||
Yes | 55 | 50.9 | 39 | 48.1 | 94 | 49.7 | p = 0.166 |
No | 8 | 7.4 | 13 | 16.0 | 21 | 11.1 | |
I don’t know | 45 | 41.7 | 29 | 35.8 | 74 | 39.2 | |
Does the use of e-cigarettes affect the oral cavity? | |||||||
Yes | 81 | 75.0 | 61 | 75.3 | 142 | 75.1 | p = 0.991 |
No | 3 | 2.8 | 2 | 2.5 | 5 | 2.6 | |
I don’t know | 24 | 22.2 | 18 | 22.2 | 42 | 22.2 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect xerostomia, mouth burning, and halitosis? | |||||||
Yes | 74 | 68.5 | 59 | 72.8 | 133 | 70.4 | p = 0.629 |
No | 3 | 2.8 | - | - | 3 | 1.6 | |
I don’t know | 31 | 28.7 | 22 | 27.2 | 53 | 28.0 | |
Do e-cigarettes increase the risk of oral cancer (cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oncogenic effects)? | |||||||
Yes | 70 | 64.8 | 55 | 67.9 | 125 | 66.1 | p = 0.773 |
No | 1 | 0.9 | - | - | 1 | 0.5 | |
I don’t know | 37 | 34.3 | 26 | 32.1 | 63 | 33.3 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect the prevalence of periodontal lesions? | |||||||
Yes | 72 | 66.7 | 50 | 61.7 | 122 | 64.6 | p = 0.403 |
No | 10 | 9.3 | 5 | 6.2 | 15 | 7.9 | |
I don’t know | 26 | 24.1 | 26 | 32.1 | 52 | 27.5 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect lingua nigra villosa, nicotinic stomatitis, and other tongue discolorations? | |||||||
Yes | 65 | 60.2 | 51 | 63.0 | 116 | 61.4 | p = 0.812 |
No | 6 | 5.6 | - | - | 6 | 3.2 | |
I don’t know | 37 | 34.3 | 30 | 37.0 | 67 | 35.4 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect teeth (tooth discoloration, pain, fractures, and increase in cariogenic bacteria)? | |||||||
Yes | 71 | 65.7 | 50 | 61.7 | 121 | 64.0 | p = 0.720 |
No | 8 | 7.4 | 5 | 6.2 | 13 | 6.9 | |
I don’t know | 29 | 26.9 | 26 | 32.1 | 55 | 29.1 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect disorders of the oral microbiome? | |||||||
Yes | 69 | 63.9 | 54 | 66.7 | 123 | 65.1 | p = 0.793 |
No | 4 | 3.7 | 4 | 4.9 | 8 | 4.2 | |
I don’t know | 35 | 32.4 | 23 | 28.4 | 58 | 30.7 |
Dentist | Specialist | p-Value | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
N | % | N | % | ||
Total | 103 | 100.0 | 86 | 100.0 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect the increase in the incidence of caries? | |||||
Yes | 56 | 54.4 | 38 | 44.2 | p = 0.361 |
No | 11 | 10.7 | 10 | 11.6 | |
I don’t know | 36 | 35.0 | 38 | 44.2 | |
Does the use of e-cigarettes affect the oral cavity? | |||||
Yes | 79 | 76.7 | 63 | 73.3 | p = 0.290 |
No | 1 | 1.0 | 4 | 4.7 | |
I don’t know | 23 | 22.3 | 19 | 22.1 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect xerostomia, mouth burning, and halitosis? | |||||
Yes | 74 | 71.8 | 59 | 68.6 | p = 0.745 |
No | - | - | 3 | 3.5 | |
I don’t know | 29 | 28.2 | 24 | 27.9 | |
Do e-cigarettes increase the risk of oral cancer (cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oncogenic effects)? | |||||
Yes | 70 | 68.0 | 55 | 64.0 | p = 0.670 |
No | - | - | 1 | 1.2 | |
I don’t know | 33 | 32.0 | 30 | 34.9 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect the prevalence of periodontal lesions? | |||||
Yes | 66 | 64.1 | 56 | 65.1 | p = 0.594 |
No | 10 | 9.7 | 5 | 5.8 | |
I don’t know | 27 | 26.2 | 25 | 29.1 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect lingua nigra villosa, nicotinic stomatitis, and other tongue discolorations? | |||||
Yes | 67 | 65.0 | 49 | 57.0 | p = 0.375 |
No | 2 | 1.9 | 4 | 4.7 | |
I don’t know | 34 | 33.0 | 33 | 38.4 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect teeth (tooth discoloration, pain, fractures, and increase in cariogenic bacteria)? | |||||
Yes | 69 | 67.0 | 52 | 60.5 | p = 0.618 |
No | 7 | 6.8 | 6 | 7.0 | |
I don’t know | 27 | 26.2 | 28 | 32.6 | |
Do e-cigarettes affect disorders of the oral microbiome? | |||||
Yes | 72 | 69.9 | 51 | 59.3 | p = 0.266 |
No | 3 | 2.9 | 5 | 5.8 | |
I don’t know | 28 | 27.2 | 30 | 34.9 |
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Shabani, D.B.; Dula, L.J.; Dalipi, Z.S.; Krasniqi, M.S.; Meto, A. Knowledge and Perceptions of Dentists Regarding E-Cigarettes: Implications for Oral Health and Public Awareness and Education. Dent. J. 2025, 13, 119. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13030119
Shabani DB, Dula LJ, Dalipi ZS, Krasniqi MS, Meto A. Knowledge and Perceptions of Dentists Regarding E-Cigarettes: Implications for Oral Health and Public Awareness and Education. Dentistry Journal. 2025; 13(3):119. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13030119
Chicago/Turabian StyleShabani, Donika B., Linda J. Dula, Zana Sllamniku Dalipi, Mirlinda S. Krasniqi, and Aida Meto. 2025. "Knowledge and Perceptions of Dentists Regarding E-Cigarettes: Implications for Oral Health and Public Awareness and Education" Dentistry Journal 13, no. 3: 119. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13030119
APA StyleShabani, D. B., Dula, L. J., Dalipi, Z. S., Krasniqi, M. S., & Meto, A. (2025). Knowledge and Perceptions of Dentists Regarding E-Cigarettes: Implications for Oral Health and Public Awareness and Education. Dentistry Journal, 13(3), 119. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13030119