Adherence to Infective Endocarditis Prevention Guidelines by Israeli Dentists Who Treat Children

To examine the rate of adherence of Israeli dentists who treat children and their rate of adherence, in 2010-2011 and in 2016, to changes made to the 2008 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for endocarditis prevention.

A questionnaire on adherence to AHA guidelines was handed out in two consecutive continuing education courses in 2010-2011 and again in 2016. Data were analyzed using student's t test, chi-square, and analysis of variance.

Response rates were 62 percent in 2010 -2011 and 73 percent in 2016. Residents and pediatric dentists adhered more to the guidelines than general dentists (P=.036 and P=0.034 in 2011 and 2016, respectively). Knowledge of guidelines for dental procedures that required antibiotic prophylaxis was better than for medical conditions (52.8 percent and 79.6 percent, respectively, in 2011; 64 percent and 80 percent, respectively, in 2016). Lowest adherence was scored for prophylaxis in moderate-risk patients (32.8 percent in 2010 to 2011, 26 percent in 2016; P=.151), which was a pivotal change in the updated guidelines. Participants chose to consult with either a pediatrician or a cardiologist in 77.4 percent and 62.2 percent of the listed medical conditions in 2010 to 2011 and in 2016, respectively (P=.055).

Approximately a third of dentists who treat children in Israel did not follow the AHA guidelines' fundamental changes. Most dentists tended to consult physicians prior to prophylaxis administration for moderate- and high-risk groups.