Dentists' Knowledge and Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Damascus

This article presents a cross-sectional observational study assessing the knowledge and prescribing practices related to antibiotics among dentists in Damascus, Syria. Conducted between January and March 2024, the study involved 844 practicing dentists who completed a validated electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire evaluated various aspects of antibiotic prescribing, including indications, dosage, duration, and management of allergies. The results indicated that knowledge scores varied significantly among participants, with 46.4% demonstrating low knowledge, 28.6% moderate knowledge, and 25% high knowledge. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in knowledge levels among different dental specialties. General dentists were found to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately in certain clinical situations. The study highlights the urgent need for educational interventions and the establishment of standardized national guidelines to improve antibiotic prescribing practices in dental settings, thereby addressing the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance.