Antibiotic Prescribing Practices Among Dental Practitioners in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the patterns and determinants of systemic antibiotic prescriptions among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted among dental professionals from multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, work sector, clinical experience, and prescribing behaviors for various dental conditions and procedures. Data were analyzed using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 407 dentists participated in this survey. The majority were general practitioners (51.4%) working predominantly in the public sector. Amoxicillin 500 mg was the most prescribed antibiotic (72.2%), whereas clindamycin was the preferred alternative in penicillin-sensitive patients. Although antibiotics were frequently prescribed for conditions such as cellulitis (53.1%) and abscesses with systemic symptoms (59.2%), they were also inappropriately prescribed for conditions such as pulpitis (33.2%) and implant surgeries (29.2%). Notably, over 65% of the respondents had received formal education on antibiotic prescribing during dental training. Conclusion: The findings highlight both rational and excessive antibiotic use patterns among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. While prescriptions aligned with recommendations for systemic infections, antibiotics were often inappropriately used for localized or non-indicated conditions. Targeted educational interventions and clearer national guidelines are recommended to enhance antibiotic stewardship in dental practices. Clinical relevance: The incorporation of national guidelines and continuous education to address antibiotic resistance may be beneficial. More research is required to establish its significance in dental setting.