Knowledge and Attitude towards Antibiotics Prescription and Antimicrobial Resistance among Dental Surgeons in Saudi Arabia

Aims: To assess knowledge and attitude towards antibiotics prescription and antimicrobial resistance among dentist in Saudi Arabia.

Study Design: Cross-sectional, survey-based study.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Saudi Arabia, between June 2020 and October 2021.

Methodology: This is was a cross-sectional, survey-based study in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a predesigned self-administered online questionnaire. The survey was distributed to dentist and dental surgeons in Saudi Arabia. It included demographic data, Knowledge about antibiotics, Attitude towards antibiotics, prescription of antibiotics based on the clinical situation. Data were analyzed by the SPSS program, version 25 at a level of significance of 0.05.

Results: A total of 208 study participants completed the survey questionnaire. The results showed that the half of study participants females. Moreover, more than half of the study participants were bachelor’s degree. Additionally, 21.2% of the study participants earned dental internship. However, the least proportion had the master’s degree or higher (4.3%).91.8% of the study respondents were general dentist compared to 2.9% were oral surgeon and the least portion 1% was endodontist.

Conclusion: The use of antibiotics inappropriately was common, and the drivers of inappropriate practices were found as young age, male sex, higher education, and a negative attitude regarding antibiotic use.