Evaluation of the knowledge level of dentistry students about the use of antibiotics in endodontic infections in pediatric patients

Aim: Endodontic infections are very common conditions in pediatric dentistry. Deciding on the use of antibiotics in the right indication in the treatment of endodontic infections, accurate dosage and correct frequency of antibiotics is very important for dentistry science. The aim of this study is to measure the knowledge level of 4th and 5th grade dentistry students who have received theoretical training about pre-clinical antibiotics and qualified to practice pediatric dentistry about the use of antibiotics in endodontic infections. Material and Method: This study was applied by using the "GOOGLE FORM" electronic questionnaire method on clinical intern students studying in Faculty of Dentistry at Dicle, Fırat and İnönü Universities. The data obtained from the answers given were statistically analysed. The study was conducted with the approval number 2019- 54 of the Faculty of Dentistry Ethics Committee. Results: According to the data obtained from 468 participants who answered the questionnaire within the scope of the study; it was found that in the case antibiotics should be used, the first preference was amoxicillin with a rate of 84.4% and in patients with penicillin allergy clindamycin was the first choice with a rate of 42.3%. In case questions 1' section, compliance with antibiotic prescribing guidelines for the first case was found to be 27.5%; 33.7% for the second case; for the third case, 33.8%; 20.5% for the fourth case; and 5.34% for the fifth case. Only 32.26% of the participants marked the correct answer in the multiple-choice question aiming to measure the antibiotic dose calculation knowledge. Statistically significant differences were found in terms of knowledge level between those who were informed about antibiotic general knowledge, prescribing information, pediatric dose calculation of antibiotics and parenteral antibiotic applications and those who were not informed and there were statistically important variations found between the places where they were informed and between those who found the information sufficient and those who did not. (p<0,05) There are no notable differences between the level of knowledge and the gender of the students, the university they study at, the class they are in. (p>0,05) Conclusion: In the thesis study, it was determined that the participants in the sample group did not have sufficient knowledge about the antibiotics used in endodontic infections in children and their compliance with current guidelines was low. This situation is important for antibiotic resistance, which is a global health problem. We believe that the level of knowledge of dentistry students about antibiotics will only reach a sufficient level by increasing the importance given to this subject in the course curriculum, various in-service trainings, congresses or similar practices.