Antibiotic Prescribing Practices for Periodontitis among Dentists in Cameroon: Strengthening Antibiotic Resistance Stewardship in Dentistry

Periodontitis is a disease resulting from the formation of a bacterial biofilm, which subsequently destroys the tissues supporting the teeth. Antibiotic therapy may be necessary for its management. The over-prescription of antibiotics in dentistry represents a significant concern, in relation to the emergence resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prescribing practices of antibiotics among dentists for periodontitis in Cameroon. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Sampling was consecutive and convenience-based. A structured and tested questionnaire was administered to dentists, collecting information on their socio-demographic and professional profile and their prescribing practices of antibiotics. The study was approved by an ethical committee. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyze the data. A total of 203 dentists were surveyed. 113 dentists (55.7%) indicated working in private offices and have been practicing for at least five years. Most dentists (91%) prescribe antibiotics without antibiogram test. Only 9% of respondents indicated prescribing laboratory tests in the event of complications. Most of them (98.5%) were aware of the program to halt antibiotic resistance; however, a subset did not perceive this issue as pertinent to their practice. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin, amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid, and metronidazole. A review of standard periodontal practice revealed that dentists frequently fail to adhere to the guidelines regarding antibiotic prescription. It is imperative that dentists receive continuous training in this area. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure the availability of laboratory techniques for bacterial identification and antibiogram testing.