Awareness of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prescription for Patients with Prosthetic Joint Undergoing Dental Implant Placement

Purpose: This study aims to assess dentists' awareness and adherence to professional antibiotic prescribing guidelines, including clinical practice guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA) published in 2015, related to performing dental implant surgeries for patients with prosthetic joints in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: An observational study utilizing an online validated questionnaire was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed to 156 general dentists and specialists in Saudi Arabia who are placing dental implants, in the public and private sectors. Results: Thirty out of the 156 participants have placed implants for patients with prosthetic joints. Half of the professional dental personnel (56.40%) reported awareness of the 2015 ADA clinical practice guidelines and (52.60%) applied the guidelines while treating patients with prosthetic joints. Conclusion: In our study, dentists who place implants have an average awareness of the clinical practice guidelines for prescribing antibiotic prophylaxis for prosthetic joints. However, less than 20% of dentists have experience placing implants for patients with prosthetic Joints; most dentists who place implants are aware and apply the updated guidelines.