Drug prescription awareness among dental students in Kerala: a survey of current knowledge and awareness

Abstract

Background: Prescribing medicine is a core skill for dentists, impacting patient safety and requiring knowledge of medications, dosages, and risks. This study evaluates dental students' awareness of these critical aspects in Kerala, India. Methods: This study aimed to assess drug prescription awareness among dental students in Kerala, India, highlighting current knowledge, standard practices, and areas for improvement. Results: Dental pain emerged as the most commonly treated condition (57.7%), with Amoxicillin reigning as the antibiotic of choice (69.2%-76.3%). Textbooks reigned supreme as the primary source of prescription information (66.4%-58.3%), even as most participants (78.1%-72.4%) acknowledged the WHO prescribing guidelines. While interns demonstrably boasted greater confidence in their knowledge, nearly half of all participants grappled with a lack of confidence in drug dosage and frequency. Incorrect dosage stood out as the Achilles' heel of prescription practices (71.9%-77.6%). Strengths included awareness of the correct route of delivery (61.6%-74.4%) and adherence to WHO guidelines. Conclusions: Dental students in Kerala demonstrate fair drug prescription awareness but have gaps in knowledge regarding dosage, frequency, and duration. Textbooks are the primary information source, highlighting the need for more in-depth education and reliance on evidence-based resources. Targeted interventions focused on these areas could enhance prescribing practices and patient safety.