KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION FOR ENDODONTICS THERAPY AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS, INTERNS, AND DENTISTS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Abstract
Background: The overuse of antibiotics in agriculture, veterinary medicine, human medicine, and dentistry has contributed to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In Endodontics, antibiotic prescriptions are not routinely written down; antibiotic resistance may also arise as a result of their improper use. 12.5% of general dentist practitioners (GDPs) recommended antibiotics for acute pulpitis when a definitive diagnosis was difficult. 47.3% of GDPs provided antibiotics, and 30.3% did so because of time restrictions. To assess knowledge and awareness of antibiotic prescriptions for endodontics therapy among dental students, interns, and dentists in Saudi Arabia.
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from July 2024 to December 2024. Include Dental students, interns, and Saudi Arabian dentists. Dental students from countries other than Saudi Arabia and non-dental professionals were excluded. Data concerning awareness and knowledge about antibiotic prescription for Endodontic treatment were collected through a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using a computer statistical software program, SPSS.
Results: This study assessed knowledge and awareness regarding antibiotic prescriptions for endodontic therapy among 392 dental students, interns, and practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Findings revealed that 45.2% of participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge, while 14.0% had low understanding, potentially jeopardizing patient safety. Awareness levels paralleled these results, with 46.7% exhibiting high awareness but 27.8% showing low awareness, highlighting gaps that may affect clinical practice. Notably, antibiotic prescribing practices had a significant relationship with demographic factors, including gender and age, prompting a need for targeted educational interventions to improve understanding and adherence to guidelines in antibiotic use.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights critical gaps in knowledge and awareness about antibiotic prescriptions in endodontic therapy among dental students, interns, and practitioners in Saudi Arabia.