Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Dentists Regarding Pharmacovigilance and Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in Northwestern Turkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: The drugs commonly used/prescribed by dentists/physicians or consumed by patients may cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Therefore, the possibility of dentists to encounter an ADR during their professional lives cannot be underestimated and the contribution of dentists to pharmacovigilance systems by notifying spontaneous ADR reports play an important role in the early detection and prevention of ADRs. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of dentists regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire with 30 questions evaluating knowledge, attitudes and practices of pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting among general dentists (GDs) and specialist dentists (SDs) was distributed electronically in northwestern region of Turkey. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). Results: Most of the participants were able to define the terms of pharmacovigilance (64.7%), ADR (74.9%) and side-effect (58.1%). SDs were significantly more aware of ADRs related to the drugs used/prescribed by dentists/physicians and other drugs consumed by patients than GDs. Additionally, awareness of ADRs regarding these drugs was significantly higher among participants with ≤12 years of experience (p<0.05). Only 2.8% of participants (4 GDs, 6 SDs) reported an ADR in their professional lives. However, 52.5% of participants had encountered an oral mucosal ADR during their professional lives, which was statistically higher in the group of SDs and participants with >12 years of experience (p<0.05). Conclusions: The role of dentists in the diagnosis and reporting of ADRs should not be underestimated since they are an integral part of the healthcare system. The contribution of both GDs and SDs to the ADR reporting system needs to be improved in Turkey. Additionally, ADR reporting should be integrated into daily practices of dentists.