• Achara Vathanasanti Pharm.D.
• Ratchaya Tantrano
• Saijai Lertwattanachai

Objective To compare knowledge and attitude related to antibiotic use and resistance in dentistry of
faculty members and 6th year dental students.

Materials and methods The two study groups were faculty members and 6th year dental students.
They were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires on knowledge and attitudes about prescribing
antibiotics for oral infections and antibiotic resistance. The data were analyzed using descriptive and
analytical statistics.

Results One hundred and seventeen forms were returned out of two hundred sent (59%). Seventy
percent of the respondents perceived antibiotic resistance as a very important national problem. Most
respondents (74%) believed that widespread and inappropriate antibiotic use were important causes of
resistance and that antibiotic guidelines were the most effective remedy (93% of the responses). For
prophylaxis against endocarditis, the two groups had no difference in opinions to prescribe antibiotics
(86% of faculty members and 98% of dental students). But, in case of head and neck radiation, their
opinions were significantly different (p < 0.05) that was 36% of faculty members and 60% of dental
students prescribed antibiotics. Generally, there was an appropriate level of knowledge on antibiotic
prescription. However, there was a tendency toward over-prescribing in some clinical situations that
may be a cause of adverse reactions and antibiotic resistance.

Conclusion Most responses viewed antibiotic resistance as a serious national problem. Perceptions
about its causes and possible solution varied widely. The provision of evidence based guidelines for
practitioners along with postgraduate education might be necessary to decrease antibiotic resistance.

(CU Dent J. 2014;37:83-96)