Introduction:
Nicotine dependence is a reversible risk factor of numerous oral cavity diseases. Dentist should be non-smoking and have knowledge on diagnosis and treatment of nicotine addiction.

Aim:
The aim of this survey is the assessment of prevalence of nicotine dependence among Polish dentists, factors associated with this addiction and knowledge on minimal antinicotine intervention acquired during pre- and post-graduate training.

Material and methods:
From October 2013 to March 2014 during 5 dental conferences dental practitioners (881 persons) were given anonymous proprietary questionnaires on nicotine use. 544 questionnaires were qualified for analysis, response rate 61.7%.

Results and discussion:
Group of active nicotine users consisted of 72 persons (13.2% of respondents). The average duration of smoking was 20 years and number of cigarettes smoked daily was 15. Median level of nicotine dependence score 5 and predominance of scores in the range of 4-6 on Fagerström test indicate that most frequent was moderate dependence. As many as 44.4% of dentists in this group had no attempts to quit the addiction. Non-smokers prevailed among women, pedodontists and younger practitioners. Active nicotine users prevailed in dentists above 44 years of age, male, dental surgeons and maxillofacial surgeons. Up to 397 (73%) respondents declared they were never acquainted with the basis for minimal antinicotine intervention.

Conclusions:
The prevalence of nicotine addiction among Polish dentists is lower by 10% compared to the general population, although in relation to current foreign studies its the average level. Main factors associated with active nicotine use in this occupational group include male gender, increasing age and surgical dental specialties. It should be intended to reduce number of nicotine users among Polish dentists by 5%. For this purpose professional anti-nicotine knowledge should be disseminated more.