Can dentist tell parents if 16 year old is smoking? uk laws?

If UK laws consider a person a minor at 16, than a health professional has the right to inform parents of any concerns or their health. As a dentist stains on teeth and oral health conditions[ breath ] can reveal signs of smoking. As a dentist you are expected to help your patients, whether a minor or adult to pursue a program of smoking cessation and have literature for them.

Not familiar with UK laws. Smoking causes stained fingers, premature aging of facial drape, lung/throat/stomach/esophageal cancer, stroke, hardening of the arteries, shorter life span, and often a horrible death. I could not support laws that would prevent a health care professional from informing parents of egregious life-altering behavior of their minor child.