Current Practices in Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Dental Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Antibiotics are frequently used in oral surgery to prevent or manage infections. However, inappropriate or excessive prescription contributes to the global issue of antimicrobial resistance. Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines, real-world prescribing behaviors among dental professionals often vary significantly.  Aim: To evaluate current antibiotic prescribing practices among dental practitioners involved in oral surgical procedures and assess adherence to established clinical guidelines.  Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 licensed dental professionals, including general dentists and oral surgeons, from private practices, academic institutions, and government settings. Participants completed a validated questionnaire assessing demographic details, types of procedures performed, antibiotic choices, duration of therapy, awareness of prescribing guidelines, and adherence. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square tests were applied to identify significant associations (p < 0.05).  Results Most participants were aged 20–30 years (62.5%) and predominantly female (62.5%). Amoxicillin was the most prescribed antibiotic, especially in academic settings (22.25%). The oral route was preferred by a vast majority (40% academic, 31% private, 8.5% government). Antibiotis were commonly used prophylactically, even for routine extractions. Although 269 participants reported awareness of prescribing guidelines, only 204 reported adhering to them. Statistically significant differences were found in drug choice (p = 0.032), procedure-specific prescribing (p = 0.048), and guideline awareness (p = 0.02). Conclusion The study highlights considerable variability in antibiotic prescribing habits among oral healthcare providers, with a noticeable gap between awareness and adherence to guidelines. Emphasis on continuing education, evidence-based protocols, and institutional antibiotic stewardship is necessary to promote rational prescribing and combat antimicrobial resistance.