ANTIBIOTIC UTILIZATION PATTERN IN DENTAL PRACTICE IN AJMAN, UAE: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the utilization pattern of antibiotics in dental practice and to determine patient’s perspective and involvement in the dental infection management in super specialty dental center in Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Center (GMCHRC), Ajman, UAE. Information was collected via a questionnaire regarding the patient’s reason of attendance and treatment undertaken at the dental clinic. The majority of patients (81.7%) attending the dental clinics was complaining of pain and the main dental indications for which the dentists use antibiotic therapy were acute peri- apical infection was attributed to (47.9%), pericoronitis (12.7%), periodontitis (12%), pulpitis (10.6%). Statistical analysis shows that highly educated patients above 40 years with an average income were significantly aware towards their oral health (P less than 0.05). (77.5%) were received antibiotic alone or with analgesics. Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Agumentin) records the highest frequency (46.4%) followed by amoxicillin (27.3%) then metronidazole (18.2%). Patient awareness and perception towards AB therapy was low more than 50% were unaware about allergy, drug resistance and other side effects associated with AB therapy. However employed and educated patients' record significant awareness towards AB therapy P less than 0.05. In conclusion, the results of this study have demonstrated the utilization pattern of AB in dental practice in Ajman/UAE. Patients’ perception and awareness towards AB therapy was low. Patient education about adverse reaction and complication associated with AB misuse is required. Intervention is required to improve patients' / dentist knowledge.