Systemic antibiotic prescribing patterns of dentists in Morocco: A questionnaire study

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antibiotic use in periodontal therapy is common but protocols vary.
• Understanding current prescription patterns is essential for improving antibiotic stewardship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the antibiotic prescription patterns in periodontal therapy among Moroccan dentists.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 2440 registered dentists in Morocco.
• 255 dentists responded to the survey, and data were analyzed.
• Prescription patterns for various periodontal conditions were recorded.

Main Results:

• Antibiotics were prescribed for gingivitis (26.8%), ulcero-necroטיc gingivitis (91.5%), aggressive periodontitis (92.7%), chronic periodontitis (77%), and periodontal abscess (97.6%).
• Penicillin and cyclin were frequently prescribed, along with the combination of penicillin + metronidazole for severe conditions.
• Discrepancies were noted, with some dentists prescribing antibiotics for conditions treatable with local therapy.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations exist in Moroccan dentists' antibiotic prescription habits for periodontal therapy.
• Antibiotic use for conditions like gingivitis, where local treatment is often sufficient, raises concerns.
• There is a need to critically reassess antibiotic prescription appropriateness to enhance antibiotic stewardship.