The commitment of dentists to prescribe antibiotics in modern conditions

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study different patterns of antibacterial drugs prescribing in dentistry practice in Central Asian region. The online survey of 108 dentists was conducted. The online questionnaire included 18 questions. Almost half of respondents (42,1%) frequently prescribed antibiotics. The most preferred antibiotics were from the group of penicillin (46.6% of cases). The following groups of antibiotics also were prescribed by dentists: fluoroquinolones (42.6%), nitroimidazoles (30.7%), cephalosporins 3 generations (18.8%) and lincozamines (16.8%). The duration of therapy in was 5-7 days in 62.3%, the rest of patients took antibiotics 3-5 days. The 67.7% of respondents prescribed monotherapy. The most common combination of antibiotic drugs were ciprofloxacin and metronidazole (26%). The indications for ambulatory antibiotic prescription were tooth extraction (48.1%) and apical periodontitis (38.7%). Most of the respondents (61.3%) answered that they are familiar with the principles of rational antibiotic therapy. The 84% of respondents prescribe an antibiotic with an average therapeutic dose. The replacement of antibiotic because of inefficiency was provided in 84.5%. In the absence of an allergic history 48.1% of dentists prescribe ciprofloxacin. Thus, in the course of the study, it was found that the majority (64%) of antibiotic appointment were irrational in outpatient dental practice. The most common observation was prescribing antibiotics and their combinations without direct indications. This trend is a cause for concern and requires additional measures aimed at increasing awareness of dentists about antibiotic treatment as well as standardization of prescription.