KNOWLEDGE OF ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION FOR ENDODONTIC TREATMENT IN FINAL YEAR STUDENTS AND HOUSE OFFICERS.

Abstract

Background: Antibiotics have been used extensively for the management of odontogenic infections since their discovery.
Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of the antibiotic prescription during endodontic therapy and common errors made by fourth-year students and house officers at Multan Medical and Dental College. This study conducted in August 2017.
Methods: Questionnaire was designed, regarding pattern of prescription of antibiotics by the dentists and the conditions for which they were prescribed. The self investigated questionnaire investigated dental students and house officer's knowledge of the indications for prescribing antibiotics for a number of systemic clinical signs that may be associated with a dental infection.
Results: For chronic periapical lesions and chronic periapical abscess plus sinus tracts, 58.1% and 55.8% of respondents prescribed antibiotics, respectively. The drug of choice for these cases was Amoxicillin+calvulanic acid (52.6%) and Amoxicillin alone (47.3%). In this study the maximum antibiotics prescribed were prophylactic for congenital heart diseases 69.7% and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus 62.8%.
Conclusion: This study supports the conclusion that there is a lack of knowledge about the correct indication, type, and dosage of antibiotics in dental practice.