Knowledge and Attitude of Northern Emirates Dental Practitioners towards Antibiotic Prescription and its Resistance

Emergence of bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics has been a major concern to medical and dental profession. Irrational antibiotic prescription by dental professionals is well documented. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners (DP) working in northern emirates of UAE towards antibiotic prescription and resistance development. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 200 DP working in Northern emirates dental clinics. The questionnaire sought answers to clinical and non-clinical conditions for which antibiotic would be prescribed and the potential contributing factors in development of antibiotic resistance. Results: Out of the 200 questionnaires sent out154 (77%) responded. 54.5% were females. The majority of DP would prescribe antibiotics for elevated temperature (87.7%), diffuse swelling (94.1%) and swelling causing eye closure (83.1%) conditions. Antibiotic prescription would be considered for pericoronitis, cellulitis and trismus by 76.0%, 90.9% and 47.4% of the DP respectively. However, 53.3% would prescribe antibiotics for fluctuant localized swelling, 72.5% to reduce postoperative complications and 67.8% for surgical extraction procedures. Generally, amoxicillin was the most preferred drug. 44.6% of the DP preferred augmentin in treatment of cellulitis. DP with less than 5 years in practice showed higher mean knowledge with regard to antibiotic indications (p=0.039). 70.8% thought widespread use of antibiotics was an important factor in development of antibiotic resistance. Conclusion: In spite of the DP fair knowledge, a considerable percentage continued to prescribe antibiotics irrationally. The study highlights on the importance of promoting knowledge on antibiotics use and abuse through continuous dental education forum.