Nazar S, Dave M, Barry S. Antibiotic prescription practices among dentists treating children in the UK. Faculty Dent J 2023; DOI: 10.1308/rcsfdj.2023.22.

Continuing education is needed.

Over-prescription of antibiotics may increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR has been described as one of the top ten global public health threats. Dentists contribute 10% of global antibiotic prescriptions and in the UK many of these are inappropriate.

This questionnaire study, sent to 454 full members of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (response rate = 45%) showed that the majority of respondents followed national guidelines when prescribing antibiotics. For those allergic to penicillin, most prescribed metronidazole but around 25% would prescribe erythromycin or clindamycin which are not recommended.

One-third of respondents did not follow the recommended dosage of 500 mgs amoxicillin 3 times a day for 5 days, one respondent would give antibiotics for pulpitis, 24% would prescribe antibiotics for an acute periapical abscess before drainage was established and 5% would prescribe for a chronic apical abscess.