A comparison of alcohol and drug use among dental undergraduates and a group of non-medical, professional undergraduates.

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.