Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Dental Students and Dentists on Infective Endocarditis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and self-perception of dentists and dental students about infective endocarditis (IE). This is a cross-sectional study, using an online questionnaire, which analyzed the knowledge and clinical conduct of professionals and students regarding IE and its risk factors. The sample consisted of 205 participants (101 dentists and 104 students), selected by convenience. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, and chi-square test, with a significance level of 0.05. Most participants (87%) correctly defined IE, and the condition with the highest risk identified was heart valve disease (80%). The most frequently cited consequences were heart failure (75%) and generalized infection (68%). Regarding antibiotic prophylaxis, 68% indicated the correct definition and 93% correctly identified periodontal surgery as a procedure that requires prophylaxis. Although 86% answered correctly about medications and dosage, only 45% were able to indicate the minimum interval between consultations to prevent resistant microorganisms. It is concluded that, although there is good knowledge about IE and antibiotic prophylaxis, doubts persist about risk conditions, consequences, interval between consultations and procedures that require prophylaxis, which points to the need for greater dissemination of the subject in dentistry courses and continuous updating of professionals.