Implications of Overprescription of Antibiotics: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: The use of antibiotics in recent years has become more aggressive and more common. The inappropriate use, to be more precise, the abuse of these prescriptions, is the root cause for increasing bacterial resistance and adverse outcomes. Antisepsis can be suggested as an appropriate alternative to antibiotics, to control the increasing antibiotic resistance among individuals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the awareness of antibiotic prescription and resistance among BDS and MDS practitioners and students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 361 dental professionals were included in this study. Each of them was given a questionnaire containing questions pertaining to antibiotic prescription and awareness. RESULTS: Most of the participants prescribed antibiotics as pre and post treatment management of all the oral diseases during their routine interaction with the patients. Overprescription of antibiotics, amoxicillin being the most common, was significantly more among the BDS practitioners than the MDS practitioners. BDS practitioners (78%) preferred a 3-day antibiotic prescription whereas MDS practitioners (80%) prescribed a 5-day course, which was statistically significant. Mindfulness with respect to antimicrobial prophylaxis and antibiotic resistance was observed to be satisfactory in both the groups. However, there was a general absence of mindfulness with respect to the rules for antibiotic prescription recommendations in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic prescription should be given with care to prevent its resistance, an upcoming iatrogenic health hazard.