Antibiotics Knowledge, Usage, and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Hyderabad, South India

Antimicrobial resistance is a pertinent issue in the healthcare sector, accounting for 1.27 million patient deaths worldwide. Dental practitioners account for 3% to 11% of total antibiotic prescriptions. Therefore, this study aimed to specifically assess their knowledge of antibiotic prescriptions, guidelines, and clinical practices.

Before conducting this knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey, study approval was obtained from the Scientific Review Board of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India. A total of 200 participants were randomly selected from the list of Indian Dental Association (Hyderabad chapter), and dental colleges, dental conferences, and peer suggestions. We received a total of 130 responses by the end of the survey.

The survey revealed gaps in practitioners' KAP. Of those surveyed, 83 (63.85%) of the practitioners kept themselves updated about antibiotic guidelines and news, but many (94, 72.31%) were unaware of the WHO's access, watch, reserve (AWaRe) and antimicrobial stewardship concepts (103, 79.23%). A total of 111 (85.38%) practitioners considered cross-reactions with other medications, yet only 28 (21.5%) practitioners tested patients for antibiotic sensitivity. While 64 (49.23%) practitioners encountered patients who did not respond to antibiotics, 84 (64.62%) practitioners encountered patients who demanded antibiotics.

This study highlights the lack of awareness about the WHO's AWaRe classification and antimicrobial stewardship among the majority of dental practitioners across Hyderabad. Misuse or overuse of antibiotics was indicated in this survey by both patients and dental practitioners. Prioritizing updates on antibiotic knowledge and guidelines and awareness of their use is important. It is essential to educate patients about the ill effects of self-prescribing antibiotics. Dental practitioners need to consider cross-reactions and antibiotic-sensitivity testing before prescribing antibiotics. Labeling the sensitivity of a particular antibiotic for specific microbes on packaging can help reduce misuse and the use of antibiotics for the wrong indications.