Knowledge of antibiotics among dentists in Saudi Arabia

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the pattern and knowledge of the use of antibiotics by dentists in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, over the last decades, antibiotic resistance has become a global problem which can affect morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: A simple questionnaire was distributed to dental practitioners over Saudi Arabia between August and October 2015. It included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, professional profile, and antibiotic prescription in dental practice. A total of 228 dentists responded to this questionnaire, and the responses (86%) showed medium level of knowledge. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 22. Results: The majority (92.5%) of respondents used penicillin as the first line in case of local infection. About 65.4% believed that completion of the antibiotics course is necessary for its effectiveness in some cases only. In addition, for patients allergic to penicillin, azithromycin was the most common antibiotic prescribed by respondents (63.2%); furthermore, the antibiotic preferred for acute periapical infections; the results showed the high percentage choose amoxicillin (77.2%), and for acute ulcerative gingivitis, the respondents prescribed metronidazole (44.7%). In addition, 44.7% of respondent's chose amoxicillin as preferred therapy for cellulitis. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge level by gender (P = 0.240). Furthermore, the level of knowledge among dentists regarding the antibiotics and place of the study showed no statistically significant relationship between government and private dental schools (P = 0.740). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge amid respondents who had attending antibiotic courses undergraduate and postgraduate (P = 0.325). Conclusion: Based on our findings, it was concluded that most dentists had medium knowledge in prescribing antibiotic therapy for dental infection. This study confirmed the need to further extend education of dental doctors is an important part for patient and society awareness, which will lead to a reduction in antibiotic resistance, and enhancement of the level of the dental care services by delivering high standard quality, effective and efficient health care.