Resumo

RAMPERSAD, Y  e  PREMVIYASA, V. Antibiotics in Dentistry: To Prescribe Or Not To Prescribe? That Is The Question. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2026, vol.81, n.1, pp.31-34. ISSN 0375-1562.  https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v81i01.22400.

BACKGROUND: Established principles form the basis of guidelines for the effective usage of antibiotics in dentistry. These standards have been demonstrated to be effective in eradicating and controlling odontogenic infections. Yet, anecdotal evidence suggests that these well-established guidelines are often ignored by dentists. This study sought to assess trends in antibiotic prescribing among dentists AIM: To analyse the antibiotic prescribing patterns among dentists and evaluate dentists' views on antibiotic resistance METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional analysis examined antibiotic prescribing patterns among registered dentists in the Durban metro region, South Africa, in 2022. A sample size of 183 participants was calculated, and a survey was electronically distributed to 210 dentists via closed dental groups. Responses were recorded in Microsoft Forms, captured in Excel, and analysed using Stata RESULTS: A survey of 210 participants yielded 91 responses. Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic (48%), with clindamycin as the common alternative for penicillin allergies (58%). The majority prescribed antibiotics for at least five days, with 89% citing facial swelling as the primary indication. Over half (57%) reported no adverse effects, while 80% acknowledged their contribution to antibiotic resistance, and 71% identified unclear guidelines as a factor in inappropriate prescribing CONCLUSION: This study highlights that dentists in South Africa continue to prescribe antibiotics contrary to evidence-based guidelines. Ongoing monitoring and research are crucial for developing clear, evidence-driven guidelines that encourage responsible antibiotic use in dental practice

Palavras-chave : Antibiotics; dentistry; antibiotic resistance; overuse; antibiotic prescribing patterns; dental prescribing behaviour; guidelines; South Africa.

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