Self-Perception and Assessment of Antibiotic Therapy Knowledge in Dental Students in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

doi:10.3390/antibiotics14080755

★ Alto impactoQ1 · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular BiologyImpact Factor · 5.77

AutoresAngel-Orión Salgado-Peralvo, Naresh Kewalramani, Irene-Alexandra Boullosa-Bernárdez, Carlos Oteo-Morilla, et al.

Por qué importa

La creciente preocupación por la resistencia a los antimicrobianos, a la que los dentistas contribuyen significativamente con la prescripción de antibióticos, subraya la importancia de una formación adecuada en esta área. Este estudio observacional transversal evaluó la autopercepción y el conocimiento sobre terapia antibiótica en estudiantes de quinto año de odontología en España. Los resultados revelan que, si bien los estudiantes se sienten bien formados en general, especialmente en cirugía oral y periodoncia, existen áreas de mejora, como la elección del antibiótico y la dosis en pacientes sin sensibilidad a betalactámicos. Estos hallazgos son relevantes para la formación continuada y la práctica clínica, al recordar la necesidad de reforzar los conocimientos para un uso racional de los antibióticos en la odontología.

Abstract original

Background: The development of antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue, in which dentists play a significant role by prescribing 7–11% of worldwide antibiotics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the self-perception and knowledge of antibiotic therapy in fifth-year undergraduate dental students. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study based on the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. An electronic survey consisting of 18 questions was conducted with fifth-year students enrolled in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: A total of 139 students (76.4%) completed the questionnaire. A total of 71.9% of students considered that they had received adequate education in antibiotic therapy, particularly in Oral Surgery (89.2%) and Periodontics (86.3%). The theoretical classes (3.50 ± 0.98) and practical sessions (3.18 ± 1.29) provided the knowledge that had the greatest influence on their education. They showed high self-confidence in diagnosing an infection (3.49 ± 0.73) and in choosing the appropriate antibiotic and dosage (3.26 ± 0.73). Over 76% of students answered correctly regarding the need for antibiotic prescriptions in various practical scenarios, except in the replantation of avulsed permanent teeth (54%). Conclusions: Dental students’ knowledge of antibiotics should be reinforced, as a high percentage answered correctly regarding the indications for antibiotics in pulpal and periapical diseases, but students performed less well regarding the choice of antibiotic and dosage in patients without sensitivity to β-lactams.

Leer texto completo ↗DOI · 10.3390/antibiotics14080755

Autores Doctor&Cols

Cómo citar

Salgado-Peralvo A, Kewalramani N, Boullosa-Bernárdez I, Oteo-Morilla C, al. E. Self-Perception and Assessment of Antibiotic Therapy Knowledge in Dental Students in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Antibiotics. 2025. doi:10.3390/antibiotics14080755