Knowledge in Oral Infectiology and Antibiotic Stewardship of French Dental Students: A National Cross-Sectional Survey.

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies highlighted a lack of knowledge of dentists concerning antibiotic stewardship. The objectives of this study were to evaluate dental students' level of knowledge in infectiology and antibiotic stewardship, and to identify factors associated with a high level of knowledge.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional national multicentre survey was conducted in 2022-2023 through a self-administered and internet-based questionnaire. A knowledge score (out of 34) was calculated for each included student based on their questionnaire results. Hierarchical clustering methods were used to identify clusters of students according to their knowledge score. This approach highlighted distinct score levels. A logistic regression model was then applied to associate specific factors with these levels. The association between the cluster of students with the highest knowledge and the characteristics of the students and their faculties was assessed using logistic regressions.

Results: A total of 415 students were included. Two clusters were identified: the cluster 'average level of knowledge' included 290 (70%) students (median knowledge score: 26/34, IQR: 24; 27), while the cluster 'high level of knowledge' grouped 125 (30%) students (median knowledge score: 30/34, IQR: 29; 32). Mandatory courses and multiple learning modalities were associated with higher knowledge.

Conclusion: French dental students seem to have a high knowledge in infectiology and antibiotic stewardship, as evidenced by the median knowledge score of each cluster, which are objectively high compared to the maximum of 34. We identified several factors associated with a higher knowledge that might help conceive learning modalities standardised recommendations.