Tobacco use is a growing global public health problem. The adverse effects of tobacco use on health are well known. Smokeless tobacco is found to be as addictive and harmful as smoking. The objective of study was to assess tobacco use, awareness and attitudes towards tobacco and its control in adult population visiting dental institution for various dental problems in Dhule city.

A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted among outpatients of dental institution in Dhule city. Data regarding the knowledge, form of tobacco used, frequency, duration and attitude towards stopping its consumption were collected. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests with Yates correction using Statistical software package(SPSS) version 19.

Out of 100 tobacco chewers, 83% were males and 17% were females. Forty five percent of tobacco users thought that tobacco affects aesthetically and functionally. Chi-square tests were applied to analyse categorical data. There was statistically no significant (p<0.05) association between age groups and gender, with respect to knowledge and attitude of tobacco consumption.

Despite being aware about risk of having multiple oral health problems, a major proportion of respondents were using smokeless tobacco. However study participants were reluctant to quit the tobacco habit in spite of knowledge and awareness towards its adverse effects on oral and general health.