A Questionnaire Based Survey on the Antibiotic Prescription Pattern of Dentists in Eastern Part of India

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Recent surveys reported that dentists inseveral countries have restricted knowledge about prescribingantibiotics. The aim of this study was to investigate theknowledge and attitude of a group of dentists in Jharkhandtowards antibiotic prescription.Material and Methods: The present study was conductedamongst a group of dentists in Jharkhand, a state in easternpart of India. A questionnaire was mailed to 150 dentists outof which 131 responded back. The questionnaire includedquestions about the knowledge and attitudes of dentists towardprescribing antibiotics to dental patients.Results: Amoxicillin and amoxicillin clauvanic acid were themost popular antibiotics. More than 66% of the sample prescribed antibiotics daily.Conclusion: There is a need to improve awareness of dentistsregarding antibiotic prescribing to patients particularly in theaspects of type of antibiotic and its clinical indications.