An investigation into the possible factors that might impact on the potential for inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics: a survey of general dental practitioners’ approach to treating adults with acute dental pain

Objective To investigate factors that might influence inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics (Abs) by UK based General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) in their management of acute dental pain in adults in Primary Dental Care (PDC). Results A total of 205 questionnaires were completed, of which 198 were included for analysis. The resulting data were analysed to try and identify factors that correlated with an increased likelihood of an inappropriate AB prescription being issued for each clinical scenario. The results suggested the following factors as being associated with a statistically greater chance of issuing an inappropriate antibiotic (AB) prescription: No post-graduate qualification Received their primary dental qualification from a non-UK university Scheduled appointments of less than 20 minutes Low confidence in their ability to provide adequate local anaesthesia for the patients in the clinical scenario. Conclusion Four of the seven factors examined in the data analysis were shown to be associated with a statistically greater likelihood of an inappropriate AB prescription. Whilst the total number of respondents was too low to enable the results to be generalised, it is hoped that results may help guide future research. Further studies could focus on these factors to understand more about their impact on the urgent care of adult patients in pain.