Are Dentists Prescribing the Antibiotics in Justified Conditions? An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Antibiotic prescription is a common practice among dental practitioners. Unjustified antibiotic prescription is leading to antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this survey is to analyze the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, conditions in which antibiotics are being prescribed, either the dental surgeons prescribe the antibiotics in the conditions where they are not recommended and awareness of antibiotic resistance among the dental practitioners of Lahore. METHODOLOGY: The study aimed to identify the prevalence of unjustified prescription of antibiotics so we can take measures to teach dental students about this wrong and unjustified prescription in undergraduate studies. It was an observational crosssectional study. Among dental practitioners of Lahore, 380 were selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Standardized; a previously validated questionnaire was used containing 18 questions, about the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, conditions where antibiotics are indicated, and antibiotic resistance. Data was coded in SPSS version 20. RESULTS: It showed the studied sample of dental practitioners tends towards the over-prescription of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Dentists should prescribe antibiotics only according to the latest guidelines, where it is indicated. It should not be a first-line treatment modality.

The prescription pattern and awareness about antibiotic prophylaxis and resistance among a group of Egyptian pediatric and general dentists: a cross sectional study

“…The present study showed a tendency to overprescribe and overuse antibiotics in certain conditions like pulpitis, draining sinus tract, localized intraoral swelling, periapical abscess, apical periodontitis, dry socket which occurred more by general dentists in comparison to pediatric dentists. These findings were in accordance with several studies which indicate that inadequate understanding of the disease, uncertain diagnosis, time pressure, patient expectation, parental pressure, and refusal of operative treatment may be the primary reasons [ 5 , 7 , 13 , 20 ].…”

“…Although there are lots of causes for the increased rates of resistance, the overuse of antibiotics is the most critical, even though the antibiotic prescription is still deemed an insignificant act [ 6 , 7 ]. Unsuitable use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, wrong selection of drugs, and incorrect dose or duration were also reported.…”

“…Unsuitable use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, wrong selection of drugs, and incorrect dose or duration were also reported. Patients also participate by not taking antibiotics as recommended, such as missing doses or ceasing earlier than advised [ 5 , 7 ].…”

Antibiotics Prescription Patterns among Dentists in Lahore, Pakistan

“…[2] In developing countries drug regulatory authorities fail to restrict easy access to antibiotics and no drug audit of the clinicians leads not only to misuse of these drugs but socio-economic burden as well ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Received on 24-05-2021 Accepted on 16-09-2021 as a serious threat to public health. [8] Various studies done in different parts of the world has shown inappropriate antibiotic prescription by medical as well as dental practitioners 1,5,6 . Very few studies have been done in Pakistan to assess antibiotic prescription pattern among dentists in our community.…”

“…Very few studies have been done in Pakistan to assess antibiotic prescription pattern among dentists in our community. [8,9] Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess antibiotic prescription pattern among dentists in our setting. The findings of this study may contribute to help in developing national guidelines for antibiotics use in dentistry.…”