Oral Health Victoria and University of Melbourne launch free training resource to address vaping risks

Oral Health Victoria, in partnership with the University of Melbourne Dental School, has launched the Vaping and Oral Health training resource, a free online education module designed to equip oral health professionals with the knowledge they need to identify vaping-related oral health issues and connect patients with support to get vape-free.

The module combines evidence-based information with practical clinical guidance, addressing both the oral health impacts of vaping and the broader health concerns affecting young Victorians.

^{This project was a collaborative team effort between Oral Health Victoria and Melbourne Dental School. (L-R) Dr Nidhi Saraswat (OHV), Dr Nadia Kaunein (MDS), A/Prof Tami Yap (MDS) and Dr Clare Lin (OHV).}

Oral Health Victoria Director of Population Health Dr Clare Lin said there had been some promising recent data suggesting vaping use was starting to decrease among young people but that it remains a significant public health issue.

"Oral health professionals made it clear that they needed easy access to high-quality vaping education tailored to their clinical practice to best support their patients," Dr Lin said.

Vaping among young people has increased dramatically. Between 2019–2023, vaping rates among young Australians rose from 5.3 per cent to 21 per cent, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. One in five Australians aged 18–24 reported having tried vaping.

The module was informed by findings from a national baseline survey that examined oral health practitioners' knowledge, perceptions and practices relating to e-cigarettes, together with interviews with oral health professionals.

Only 29 per cent of oral health professionals surveyed reported having sufficient knowledge to provide cessation advice and support.

Oral Medicine Specialist Tami Yap, an Associate Professor with the University of Melbourne Dental School, said regular dental visits create a natural opportunity to talk about vaping.

"Our module helps the oral healthcare team use those moments to support patients, answer questions, and dispel myths," Associate Professor Yap said.

“Oral health professionals are trusted voices in the healthcare system. By giving them up-to-date information on vaping, we’re amplifying the credible advice given as part of everyday care.”

The online course takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete and can be accessed on desktop, tablet, or mobile devices. Interactive knowledge checks and case studies allow participants to apply their learning in realistic clinical scenarios.

The learning module is available free of charge through Oral Health Victoria. For more information or to access the module, visit the website.