A Multicultural Demographic Study to Analyze Antibiotic Prescription Practices and the Need for Continuing Education in Dentistry

Abstract

Objectives. The objective of the study was to understand and analyze the prescription patterns of dentists across various demographic locations for managing oral infections and pain with antibiotics and explore the evidence-based practices by clinicians as well as the need for further education. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire framed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices among dentists with varying levels of experience and qualifications, regarding antimicrobial prescription. The questions were validated from previous published studies that explored the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with respect to antimicrobial prescription. In total, N = 300 of dentists from four different countries responded to the online questionnaire out of which 53% were specialists while 47% were general dentists. After data collection, descriptive analysis was carried out along with a one-sided hypothesis test to depict the power of the sample. Results. It was seen from the results of the study that the first-choice antibiotics for 67.8% of dentists were found to be the β-lactam group while sulfonamides and tetracyclines at 20% were the second most prescribed group. Another important finding was that 45.6% of dentists ignored hypersensitivity testing before prescription of antibiotics even though 83.3% of the total dentists interviewed were aware of the increase in antibiotic resistance. Conclusion. In conclusion, the dentists are partially aware of the guidelines but need further training and education on antimicrobial prescription that enables evidence-based decision-making for better practices and outcomes.

Antimicrobial resistance in patients with odontogenic infections: A systematic scoping review of prospective and experimental studies

“…This empirical management has generated complications related to the use of antimicrobials, an issue that in turn has allowed investigating of regular prescription practices by dentists ( 4 , 5 ). The selection of antimicrobial for the treatment of odontogenic infections preferably requires the performance of a microbial culture to carry out susceptibility tests.…”

“…The selection of antimicrobial for the treatment of odontogenic infections preferably requires the performance of a microbial culture to carry out susceptibility tests. Nevertheless, it has been indicated that 46% of dentists from different countries disregarded this conduct before the recommendation of antimicrobials, albeit 83% of the total clinicians interrogated were conscious of the growth in antimicrobial resistance ( 5 ). Therefore, patients with these odontogenic infections are commonly prescribed antimicrobials on an experiential base without knowing the precise microorganisms implicated.…”

Comparative Efficacy of Different Oral Doses of Clindamycin in Preventing Post-Operative Sequelae of Lower Third Molar Surgery—A Randomized, Triple-Blind Study

“…This topic seems particularly important, since previous research [ 13 ] clearly indicates that the decision to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to prevent post-operative complications after oral surgery procedures is mostly based on the subjective considerations of clinicians. Another study [ 14 ] demonstrated that odontogenic infections account for as much as 10% of overall antibiotic usage each year, despite clear inadequacy in the translation of evidence-based information into clinical practice, as is proven especially by inconsistencies regarding the prescription, dosages, and durations of antibiotic courses.…”

Polish Medical Doctors’ Opinions on Available Resources and Information Campaigns concerning Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, a Cross-Sectional Study

“…In order to achieve that, medical doctors and dentists need to match solid knowledge on antimicrobials with empathic resonance towards patients. This sometimes poses the difficulty of juggling professional assertiveness with respect for the patient’s autonomy when defining “pros” and “cons” of prescribing and using antibiotics [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. However, the stakes are high.…”