# An Assessment of the Knowledge and Attitudes of Final-Year Dental Students on and Towards Antibiotic Use: A Questionnaire Study

## TL;DR

This study evaluates final-year dental students' knowledge and attitudes about antibiotic use in oral surgery, highlighting the need for better education on complex cases.

## Contribution

The study identifies variability in students' antibiotic prescribing decisions in complex scenarios, suggesting a need for improved curricula on antimicrobial stewardship.

## Key findings

- Students generally showed rational antibiotic use in routine scenarios.
- Variability in responses was observed in complex cases like impacted third molar extraction.
- No significant differences were found between closely distributed options in complex scenarios.

## Abstract

Background: The misuse of antibiotics in dental practice significantly contributes to the escalation of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of final-year dental students regarding perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in oral surgery and to identify potential curricular improvements based on the findings. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 117 final-year students at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry in December 2024. The survey presented clinical scenarios related to common oral surgical procedures, evaluating participants’ antibiotic prescribing behaviors. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and a One-Sample Chi-Square Test. Results: Students demonstrated a general tendency toward rational antibiotic use in routine clinical scenarios, with statistically significant response patterns favoring the avoidance of unnecessary prescriptions (p < 0.05). However, in complex or borderline cases such as impacted third molar extraction and dental implant placement, response variability was observed. Post hoc analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between closely distributed options, indicating inconsistencies in decision-making in more challenging scenarios. Conclusions: While final-year dental students exhibited a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding appropriate antibiotic use in standard surgical procedures, the variability observed in complex cases underscores the necessity for enhanced educational interventions. Incorporating updated, evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship principles and promoting clinical decision-making through case-based learning are essential to prepare future dental practitioners for responsible antibiotic prescribing, contributing to global efforts to mitigate antimicrobial resistance.