Students' Perceptions of Education and Guidance at an Irish Dental School Regarding Antibiotic Prophylaxis to Prevent Infective Endocarditis in Dentistry

AIM: Varying guidance on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis has the potential to confuse dental students, impacting their education and ultimately, their ability to apply guidelines in practice. To optimise teaching and learning in this important domain, this study aims to explore dental students' perceptions of learning regarding antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infective endocarditis. METHODS: This is a qualitative descriptive study comprising face-to-face focus group interviews. All registered final-year dental students attending Trinity College Dublin in the Academic year 2024-2025 were invited to participate voluntarily; semi-structured interview schedules were followed. All audio recordings were transcribed using an AI recorder, checked and edited for accuracy. Open codes were developed inductively using thematic content analysis by two authors (V.P. and C.P.) independently. Codes were analysed further through closed coding techniques, resulting in final coding and development of subthemes and themes. Trustworthiness and rigour were ensured throughout. RESULTS: Data from four focus groups were analysed (n = 18). Three themes were identified. First, Education considered teaching, assessment, clinical exposure during training, and student feedback. Second Use of Guidelines explored student application, awareness of infective endocarditis guidelines, as well as the impact of the range of guidance on their learning. At last, Future Practice covered patient-related concerns, students' apprehensions around antibiotic prescribing, and reliance on senior support. Students reported relying on other sources beyond guidelines, such as clinical supervisors. CONCLUSION: Based on the experiences shared here, students may benefit from curricular alignment regarding infective endocarditis prophylaxis. This should include didactic teaching by experts emphasising the specific guidelines that students should follow, clinical exposure to patients at risk of infective endocarditis, assessment using clinical logbooks and examinations, with opportunity for feedback of their learning experiences.