Aim This study aimed to examine the
prescription of
antibiotics for endodontic
infections among undergraduate
dental students.
Methods Two
government Iraqi
dental schools [(the
University of Baghdad (UOB) (n=99) and
University of Babylon (UB) (n=70)], and one private
dental school [Osouldeen
University College (OUC) (n=103)] were included in this
survey study. A
paper-based
questionnaire composed of seven questions was distributed to
students, and collected. A
chi-square test was used for
data analysis, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (P=0.05). Results A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was identified between
students' answers in the three
dental schools regarding
antibiotic selection for endodontic
infections in which
patients had no known
allergies (P=0.001). In comparison to other
dental schools, a statistically significantly higher proportion of
respondents from UOB (32%) favored
Azithromycin 500mg for treating
patients with
penicillin hypersensitivity (P=0.003). A high percentage of participants (62.1%) selected
antibiotic prescription in cases with necrotic pulp and symptomatic
apical periodontitis (with swelling and moderate/severe preoperative symptoms). However, there were no significant differences between the 3
dental schools (P>0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, a significantly greater percentage of UB chose
amoxicillin for the
treatment of endodontic
infection in
patients with no medical
allergies.
Azithromycin 500mg was selected by UOB as the preferred option in
patients who were sensitive to
penicillin. Our findings support the need for the implementation of
strategies to raise
awareness of good
antibiotic prescribing practices among
dentists in
Iraq.