Evaluation of dental practitioners’ knowledge and attitudes regarding drug interactions: a cross-sectional survey

In dentistry, various medications are commonly used to manage conditions and maintain patient comfort. The use of multiple medications at the same time, known as polypharmacy, often occurs to manage multiple conditions. Drug interactions in dentistry present considerable risks but reveal gaps in dentists’ knowledge. Recognizing drug interaction prevalence is essential for better prescribing and patient outcomes. This investigation aims to evaluate dentists’ comprehension of pharmaceutical interactions, clarify common misconceptions, and examine the impact of years of professional experience, specialty/doctoral training, and dental specialty field, and analyze the factors influencing dental professionals’ prescribing behaviors. This study engaged 217 dental practitioners (dental interns and post-graduate dentists) from diverse specialties in Turkey. Participants completed a 23-question survey on drug interactions, medication management, and demographic data were analyzed descriptively to outline participant responses. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests compared responses according to professional experience, specialty, and education. Of 217 dentists surveyed, 73.2% had 0–10 years of experience and 76% worked in public hospitals or university clinics. Nearly half (46.5%) had specialized or doctoral training. About 64.5% reported limited knowledge of drug mechanisms, and 71.9% saw their ability to manage drug interactions as inadequate. Less than a third identified clarithromycin as a CYP3A4 inhibitor, and over 60% couldn’t name key macrolide interactions. Only 29.2% recognized drugs that raise INR with warfarin, with 41.9% lacking this knowledge. Correct responses varied by specialty, with oral and maxillofacial surgeons performing best. Nearly all (94.9%) would use decision support tools, and 44.7% wanted more training on drug interactions. The study highlights the importance of specialized educational initiatives and clinical decision support systems in enhancing dentists’ understanding and management of drug interactions. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for improving patient safety and optimizing pharmacotherapy within dental care settings.