Antibiotic prescription habits of Portuguese oral healthcare professionals: an exploratory study

Objectives: This research aims to characterize the antibiotic prescription patterns for adults with oral infections and their conditioning factors. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to dentists and stomatologists registered at the Portuguese Society of Stomatology and Dental Medicine (SPEMD) in 2023, and a non-random sample was obtained (n=85). The information obtained included sociodemographic and professional characteristics, as well as antibiotic prescription habits according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. The binomial, chi-square, or Fisher’s exact tests were applied (α=0.05). Results: The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (J01CR50) was the preferred choice of antibiotic of most participants (76.5%) and 95.3% (IC0.95 [89.2%-98.4%]) prescribed its recommended Defined Daily Dose. The recommended Defined Daily Doses were prescribed more frequently by professionals with less clinical experience (87.5%) (Fisher’s Exact test; p=0.018). Amoxicillin (J01CA04) was predominantly administered according to the recommended Defined Daily Dose by 71.8% of the participants (IC0.95 [61.6%-80.5%]), and azithromycin (J01FA10) by 76.5% of the participants (IC0.95 [66.7%-84.5%]). Fewer professionals working in the major centers (66.7%) prescribed the recommended Defined Daily Dose of azithromycin than in minor centers (87.5%) (χ2 = 5.108; df=1; p=0.024). Statistical significance differences were found between differently experienced professionals when faced with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis (χ2 = 4.587; df=1; p=0.032). Conclusions: Portuguese oral health professionals generally prescribe antibiotics according to guidelines. However, a population-based study is essential to understand the detected disparities in priority antibiotic selection, Defined Daily Doses, and prescription habits in less obvious clinical situations.