Perception of dental professionals towards dental management of patients using antithrombotic medications in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: To assess dental professionals' perception and knowledge about dental management of patients on antithrombotics and determine if the treatment approach is according to the international guidelines. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia during January 2014-December 2015 and included licensed dentists and hygienists from different dental institutions and Saudi's annual dental conference attendees. Data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire, with questions about dental management of patients on antithrombotics. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences statistical software, version 22. RESULTS: Of the 305 participants, 302 completed the survey (dentists: 94.7% and dental hygienists: 5.3%). For traditional antithrombotics, familiarity was higher for Warfarin and Aspirin compared to Clopidogrel. However, for new oral anticoagulants (NOACs), familiarity was significantly less for Rivaroxaban (P = 0.042). A significant number of participants responded that they were unsure as to how to treat patients [Enoxaparin (P < 0.001), Rivaroxaban (P < 0.037), and Dabigatran (P < 0.027)]. Furthermore, the management of patients on traditional or NOACs was not under guidelines (ranging: 8.2%-42.2%). CONCLUSION: Dental professionals have limited familiarity with antithrombotics, especially NOACs. Therefore, awareness about NOACs and their impact on dental procedures is needed among dentists in primary healthcare settings, to facilitate proper and timely management.