Knowledge awareness and prescription practice of antibiotics among private dental practitioners in Mangalore

Background: Dental practitioners commonly prescribe antibiotics to treat dental infections. Literature suggests that inappropriate use of antibiotics is common in dental practice. Proper use of antibiotics thus becomes essential to ensure that effective and safe treatment is available and that practices that may enhance microbial resistance are avoided. To improve the standards of care, dentists need to keep themselves updated with the current patterns of antibiotic prescription and their use. Aim: This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of antibiotic use/misuse, and prophylactic use among private dental practitioners of Mangalore by studying their prescription pattern. Subjects and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to all the private dental practitioners in Mangalore, who willingly consented to participate in the study. The responses obtained were then analyzed. The distribution of variables was described in terms of frequency and percentage. Results: Penicillin group (amoxicillin) was the most common prescribed antibiotic for almost all dental infections, followed by the combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole. Tetracycline was most commonly prescribed for periodontal diseases. Although dentists had adequate knowledge in prescribing antibiotics for dental infections, some lacked knowledge regarding the indications of antibiotic prophylaxis needed in cardiac conditions, rheumatic fever or sinusitis. There were others who were unaware of the alternative antibiotic choices required in necessary cases. Conclusion: The therapeutic prescribing of antibiotics in general dental practice varies widely and is suboptimal. There is a clear need for the development of prescribing guidelines and educational initiatives to encourage the rational and appropriate use of the antibiotics in general dental practice.