Dentistry students’ knowledge about antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic prescription practices

Abstract

Introduction: The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms has generated a global health issue. Dentists can worsen this issue through the inappropriate prescription of antibiotics. Aim: the aim of the present cross-sectional quantitative study is to assess the knowledge of dentistry students about antibiotic prescription to enable the treatment and prophylaxis of dental infections. Methods: A questionnaire comprising 19 questions was applied to students enrolled in the ninth and tenth semesters of different dental schools in São Luis City (MA). Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis (α=0.05). Results: 175 students were interviewed, 47% from the ninth semester and 52% from the tenth semester. According to most students, the inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents by health professionals affects bacterial resistance. The use of drugs for less than seven days could also contribute to bacterial resistance, according to 37% of participants. Fifty-two percent (52%) of students believe it is necessary using antibiotics in all dental abscess cases. In addition, 55% and 62% of participants indicated that the antibiotic should always be used after impacted tooth extraction and dental implant placement, respectively. Finally, 45% of students stated that antibiotic prophylaxis should be performed at impacted tooth extraction time, whereas 33% of them would also prescribe antibiotic drugs to hypertensive patients undergoing dental treatment. Conclusion: Although most students had proper knowledge about the rational use of antibiotics in the dentistry field, some questions, such as when to prescribe them for the prophylaxis of systemic or local infections, received controversial answers.