Effect of an educational intervention among Lebanese dentists on antibiotic prescribing: a randomized controlled study

Objectives To investigate whether an educational intervention could improve antibiotic prescribing among Lebanese dentists and assess antibiotic prescribing patterns regarding international guidelines. Materials and methods An interventional randomized controlled trial was conducted from the first of April to the end of August 2017. This was an oral presentation of about 20 min based on a review of the literature and the international guidelines. Sixty dentists specializing in oral dental surgery or general practitioners participated in this study. All the patients who took a consultation over 2 months were involved. Results In this study, 950 antibiotic prescriptions were analyzed. A change was found only in antibiotics prescribed for tooth extraction and tooth extraction (impacted tooth). The intervention was impactful in raising the mean percentage of prescriptions compliant with indication and with the choice regarding antibiotics prescribed for prophylactic reasons. A dentist in the intervention group would have after the intervention period a mean percentage of prescriptions compliant with indication and with choice of 31.7% and 20.7%, respectively, above one in the control group. Despite the decrease in the overall number of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in the intervention group over time, this does not suggest that this was solely due to the effect of the intervention. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of continuing medical education to optimize antibiotic use in dentistry. Clinical relevance This study can serve as the basis for a future audit, training, and feedback intervention to increase dentists’ awareness of recommended guidelines and optimal antibiotic use.