Self-Reported Practices of General Dentists in Antibiotic Prescription for Endodontic Treatments in Southeastern Iran

Document Type : Short Communication(s)

Authors

1 Endodontology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Faculty of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major global health concern that highlights the importance of appropriate antibiotic use in dental practice. In endodontic infections, antibiotics are not routinely indicated and should be prescribed only in specific clinical conditions. However, studies have shown that inappropriate prescription by dentists is still common. This study aimed to assess the self-reported practices of general dentists regarding antibiotic prescription during endodontic treatments in Kerman, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among general dentists practicing in Kerman, Iran. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge and practices related to antibiotic prescription for endodontic infections. The questionnaire was validated, and its reliability was confirmed before data collection. It consisted of two subdomains: the type and method of antibiotic administration and antibiotic prescribing across different clinical conditions. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics as well as Chi-squared and independent t-tests were used for analysis, and the significance level was set at P < 0.05.
Results: A total of 76 general dentists participated in the study. Only 33.2% of the participants were aware of antibiotic prescription guidelines, and 22.5% had read them. The mean total score of the questionnaire was 7.61 out of 14. Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic. Most dentists (88.2%) prescribed antibiotics for 3–10 days, while 11.8% continued antibiotic therapy until two days after symptom resolution. Correct prescription of metronidazole was reported by only 10.7% of participants. No significant association was found between work experience and the total or subdomain scores.
Conclusion: The findings indicate deviations from recommended guidelines and inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in several clinical situations. Enhancing dentists’ awareness of antibiotic prescription guidelines and providing continuing education programs may improve prescribing practices and help reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

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Main Subjects


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