Understanding antimicrobial use in dentistry: insights into knowledge and practice among students at different levels and clinicians

Abstract

Aim: Microbially induced oral diseases are highly prevalent worldwide. As a result, antimicrobial agents are widely used in clinical practice, and concerns about antimicrobial resistance have become a significant issue. However, there is limited information regarding the overall knowledge of antimicrobial use in dentistry at different stages of career progression, which was evaluated in this study. Methods: Cross-sectional study evaluating the knowledge and behaviors of dental students and practicing dentists regarding the use of antimicrobials. Students from the basic sciences, preclinical and clinical years of dental school (n=50 per level, for a total of 150 students), as well as dentists with 2-5 years of clinical practice (n=50), were included. Questionnaires were administered, and descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: There is a clear improvement in knowledge levels as professional levels increase when comparing students at different stages and clinicians. However, most dentists accessed scientific evidence more than one year prior to the survey (43.9%) and still prescribing antibiotics for oral conditions that typically do not require. The negative self-perception of knowledge regarding antimicrobial was associated with career level (p=0.05), a lack of confidence in prescribing antimicrobials (p=0.001), a lack of interest in receiving educational information (p=0.007), and among individuals who do not recommend systemic antibiotics for treating implant-related infections (p=0.002) or for patients with heart diseases (p=0.002). Conclusion: Although there is a clear trend toward improved knowledge and attitudes regarding antimicrobial use throughout a dental career, the findings highlight an urgent need for educational programs with up-to-date information.