Knowledge and perception of antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures among Nepali dental students: a questionnaire-based study.

Abstract

Background: Prescribing medication is an essential part of clinical dentistry, particularly concerning the use of antibiotics for acute odontogenic infections, surgical prophylaxis, and care of medically compromised patients. Research on dental students' knowledge and perception of antimicrobial prophylaxis in dental practice is notably lacking in Nepal. This study aims to bridge that gap by assessing the level of understanding among Nepali dental students.

Methods: An online, questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out among dental students all over Nepal. A total of 288 dental students from Nepal took part in the study, comprising 189 undergraduate students, 62 interns, and 37 postgraduate students. A standard structured questionnaire that included 12 clinically relevant and three perception-based questions was distributed online. The results were analyzed via descriptive statistics.

Results: The mean ± SD correct answers were 6.79 ± 2.26. More than three-fourths of the total students (288), i.e., 76.04% (219), answered more than half of the questions correctly. In the dosage and timing scenario, 76.3% of the students answered correctly wherein interns provided the most correct responses (91.0%). In deciding their knowledge of specific scenarios, 73.7% of the students knew when to prescribe correctly in four of five relevant scenarios, with postgraduates performing better (76.1%). Performance declined significantly when it involved evaluating scenarios deemed inappropriate for prophylaxis. Additionally, self-reported perceptions highlighted significant gaps in knowledge (38.6%) and confidence (40.9%). These deficiencies emphasize the strong need for further education, as acknowledged by two-thirds (65.4%) of the students.

Conclusion: While most students demonstrated a basic understanding of antibiotic prophylaxis, significant shortcomings were noted, particularly in avoiding unnecessary prescriptions. To ensure appropriate prescribing practices and reduce antibiotic overuse, the integration of a standardized antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) curriculum in all dental institutions in Nepal is strongly recommended.