Abstract

TRENDS OF ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBING IN DENTISTRY

Dr. Imran Maniyar* Dr. Narendranath Sanji, Dr. Shashikala GH, Dr. Manjunath H, Dr. Prashanth D , Dr. Rahul HD

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to study the antibiotic usage among dental health care practitioners. Methodology: The study was conducted for one month from August 2014 to September 2014. A selfstructured questionnaire was designed and personally delivered to all the registered and practising dental surgeons in Bapuji Dental College and Hospital (BDCH), College of Dental Sciences (CODS) and general dental practitioners of Davangere, Karnataka. Questions regarding the common antibiotics prescribed and the indications for which the antibiotics prescribed were included in the questionnaire. Results: Total of 69 dentists out of 110 responded to the questionnaires giving a response rate of 63%. 78% of the dentists had been practising for less than five years. Among the various factors like cost, patient compliance, duration of course and dosage frequency specified in the questionnaire, nearly one third of the dentists considered patient compliance before prescribing antibiotics. Odontogenic infections such as periapical space infection and infective ulcers, traumatic extraction and abscess were the common conditions for which antibiotics were prescribed. Amoxycillin followed by metronidazole and combination of amoxycillin with clavulanic acid were the commonly preferred antibiotics. Only 6% of the dentists advised culture and sensitivity tests frequently. Conclusion: Amoxycillin, metronidazole and combination of amoxycillin with clavulanic acid were the most common antibiotics used for the management of oral diseases. Patient compliance is an important factor considered by the dentists when prescribing.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Dental, Amoxycillin.