Assessment of the knowledge and awareness levels of dentists regarding prophylaxis for infective endocarditis

Abstract

Aim: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious heart disease with high mortality and morbidity. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for patients at risk of infective endocarditis before dental procedures. This Turkish online descriptive survey aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of dentists and dental students regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for patients at risk of infective endocarditis. Method: Data on participants’ demographics and responses regarding dental treatments and heart diseases requiring prophylaxis as well as antibiotic dosage, duration, and administration time were collected between February 1 and June 30, 2016 in Turkey. For each correct answer one point was given. A score of >4 was considered successful. Results: In total, 584 dentists and 199 dental students participated in the questionnaire survey. The rate of administration of antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis was found as 92.59%. Overall success rates of dental procedures requiring prophylaxis and knowledge regarding heart diseases were 90.3% and 72.6%, respectively. Knowledge levels regarding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for heart diseases and antibiotic dosage and duration were greater in women, those with =5 years of professional experience, dentists, and those working at dental faculties (p<0.05). Dentists with =5 years of professional experience had greater levels of awareness about dental procedures requiring prophylaxis than those with >5 years of experience (p<0.001). Conclusion: Given their poor knowledge of antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis, once again it has been revealed that dentists should receive in-service training to keep up with current practices.