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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Antibiotic Prescription Among Dentists in Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Prescription challenges in antibiotics contribute to the global prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We are fast moving into an age of ’resistome’, which has grave consequences. Dentists frequently prescribe antibiotics for intraoral infections and as prophylaxis, particularly for immunocompromised patients, though the clinical justification for these prescriptions remains a point of concern. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia regarding antibiotic prescription. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to November 2024, involving 252 dentists from various regions of Saudi Arabia. Data was gathered through social media. Results: The mean professional experience likely to agree prescribing antibiotics post-procedurally to be safe [OR 0.18, P=0.42, CI -0.94]. Contrastingly, knowledge of less experienced dentist [OR 9.60, P=0.03, CI 1.21-76.15] was updated regarding prescribing penicillin for women in third trimester of pregnancy than experienced dentist (>10 years). Conclusions: Though the knowledge level of practitioners in the public sector is reasonably good, there are concerns about antibiotic prescription practice among private dental practitioners.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13101198