Assessment of Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns Among Dentists and their Impact on Antimicrobial Resistance in Oral Infections

Background: Antibiotics are frequently prescribed in dental practice for the management of oral infections and as prophylaxis for invasive procedures. Inappropriate prescribing practices contribute significantly to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a growing public health concern. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 150 dental practitioners and 120 patients presenting with odontogenic infections. Data regarding antibiotic choice, dosage, duration, and indication were collected using structured questionnaires and prescription audits. Microbiological samples from patients were cultured, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. Prescribing appropriateness was assessed using standard clinical guidelines. Results: Antibiotics were prescribed in 82.0% of dental consultations, with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (46.7%) being the most commonly prescribed drug, followed by metronidazole (28.0%). Inappropriate prescribing was identified in 41.3% of cases, primarily due to unnecessary antibiotic use and prolonged duration. Resistant isolates were detected in 34.2% of cultured samples, with significantly higher resistance observed among patients exposed to prior antibiotic therapy ( P = 0.003). Dentists with fewer than 5 years of clinical experience demonstrated a higher rate of inappropriate prescribing compared to senior practitioners (48.9% vs. 29.6%, P = 0.018). Conclusion: Suboptimal antibiotic prescribing practices are prevalent among dentists and are significantly associated with increased antimicrobial resistance in oral infections. Implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs and continued professional education are essential to promote rational antibiotic use in dental practice.