Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
[Patients' knowledge regarding medication prescribed by dentists in southern Brazil]
Ana Paula Dresch1, Tânia Alves Amador2, Isabela Heineck1
1Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil, isabela.heineck@ufrgs.br.
Abstract:
This study sought to establish the degree of patients' knowledge regarding medication prescribed by public dental services in Porto Alegre and verify the frequency of verbal prescription by dentists and individual sources of information on medication. It involved a cross-sectional study conducted in two emergency services using a structured questionnaire applied after dental consultation. Of the 286 respondents, 164 (57%) were female, with an average age of 35 and mean family income of 3.5 minimum salaries. It was revealed that 10% of the patients received a verbal prescription and, of the 258 who were questioned regarding knowledge of medication from written prescriptions, 86% knew the name of the medication, 85% knew the dosage frequency, 66% knew the therapeutic indication and 65% the correct dosage. Only 20% and 9%, respectively, were aware of contra-indications and side effects. Based on the scoring system used, 55% of the patients displayed fair knowledge, 34% insufficient awareness and 11% good knowledge of the treatment. The main source of information about medication was the leaflet (40.7%). Most patients revealed a satisfactory level of knowledge about the core information regarding the treatment, but would have difficulty deciding precisely what to do in the event of complications.
Related Concept Videos
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or...
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics
Drug Dosage Regimen: Overview
Typically, the starting dose and dosing interval are guided by the manufacturer's recommendations based on clinical trials conducted during and after drug...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia

