Sustainable Development Goal 3 focuses on promoting health and wellbeing: healthy lifestyles, preventive measures, and modern, efficient healthcare for all. Target 3.5 focuses on the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, both drug use and use of alcohol.

The topic of SDG 3.5 is explored within the BDJ Portfolio from a dentistry standpoint. Substance use can negatively affect both dental patients - substance abuse can have a negative effect on oral health¹ - and dental professionals - a high-stress job which can lead to potential substance addiction.²

In BDJ In Practice,² Janine Brooks and Richard Jones discuss how dentists and dental professionals can develop substance misuse problems and alcohol misuse problems. The authors list organisations that can provide confidential support and help for those struggling.

In the British Dental Journal, authors from Umm Al-Qura University have published a scoping review on the impact of amphetamines on oral health and oral health-related quality of life.³

And in BDJ Team, Manas Dave, Neil Patel, and Sally Rowe discuss the clinical implications of cannabis and cocaine use in dentistry; both the general health implications and their impact on oral health.^4,5

For readers who are struggling, or know of anyone struggling, with potential substance misuse, you can find support at the resources listed below.

Resources

• Dentists' Health Support Trust
• NHS Practitioner Health - Mental Health Support and Advice
• The British Doctors' and Dentists' Group
• Confidental
• Narcotics Anonymous UK
• NHS cocaine addiction support
• Talk to Frank
• SMART Recovery

 References

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41432-021-0158-2
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41404-024-2880-x
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-025-8606-6
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41407-025-2927-9
5. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41407-025-2993-z