Antibiotic prescribing pattern among dental interns for common dental conditions: A self-reported questionnaire-based survey

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate about the antibiotic prescribing pattern of dental interns for various dental conditions. Materials and Methods: A survey was carried out with the help of a self-administered questionnaire in a central government-based dental institute. Sixty dental interns were asked to fill out the questionnaire sent electronically, which inquired about their current practice of prescribing antibiotics and their awareness about the use of antibiotic in common dental conditions. Results: The total response rate was 85%. The most prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin (84.83%), followed by a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (56.9%). The most common dental condition for which the dental interns prescribed antibiotics was acute periapical abscess (90.2%), followed by periodontal abscess (76.5%). Conclusion: Dental practitioners prescribe antibiotics on a daily basis and its unchecked usage could lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance. The current survey highlights the need for dental professionals to audit their existing antimicrobial prescription practice and keep updating them according to the latest guidelines. In the dental practice, antibiotics should only be used as an adjunct to a dental interventional procedure, and never as a substitute for it.