Dentists and dental staff in Derby are joining forces to help people give up smoking Viceroy. Ten dental practices in the city have already signed up to the campaign, which will be launched as part of National Smile Month. The practices are working with Fresh Start, the NHS’ Stop Smoking Service.

The aim of the partnership is to make it easier for people to access the free stop smoking service and dentists participating in the scheme will refer patients who want to stop smoking to the service.

Lucia White, a Stop Smoking adviser from Fresh Start, said that the service wanted to strike up a partnership with local dentists because dentists are ideally placed to talk to patients about smoking, as it has obvious implications for oral health. Dentists can also raise awareness of the help available from Fresh Start, as many people who try to give up smoking on their own often find it very difficult. Fresh Start can provide help and support, which will make giving up easier.

Dentists in the area can now opt into the scheme and start referring patients. Local dentist Conor Donogan believes the scheme is a good idea, as smoking increases the risk of gum disease and also contributes to oral cancer.

National Smile Month runs until the 15th June but the partnership will continue after this date.