Abstract
Methods: A cross-sectional multicentre study was carried out in six French dental schools. A self-administered questionnaire was offered to 2nd to 6th-year odontology students about their position with regard to N2O and its potential use.
The prevalence of N2O use among the 1124 responding students was 50.4%, with heterogeneity according to dental school. 84% of the students who used N2O did so at least once for recreational purpose, while 16% used it only in the context of care and/or training.
Students with recreational N2O use were more likely to use other substances than students with care/training use. Nearly three-quarters of the students sought and experienced euphoria and laughter.
Nearly half the students in our study reported having used N2O recreationally, most of them regularly, a much higher prevalence than among nonhealthcare students.