DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2019.v06i02.001

Pages: 22-26

Background: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of rational use of antibiotics among dental practitioners practicing in semi urban area (Nalgonda district) and make necessary interventions. Aim: This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of antibiotic use/misuse, and prophylactic use among private dental practitioners of Nalgonda district, Telangana state. Methodology: Questionnaire was administered to the general practitioners of Nalgonda district to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice about rational use of antibiotics. Data was analysed and subjected to Chi-square t est. Results: Penicillin group (amoxicillin) was the most common prescribed antibiotic for almost all dental infections. The alternative to pencillin was erythromycin. There was also unnecessary use of antibiotic regime for most of the conditions related to pulpal and periradicular origin. The dosage of prescription pertaining to the number of days was also varied significantly from 3-10days. Conclusions: This study showed that that most of the practitioners possessed average knowledge about antibiotics. Their attitude was also not satisfactory towards rational use of antibiotics and same was true for the practice as well. Educational intervention is utmost essential to improve their perception regarding rational use of antibiotics.