RESEARCH ARTICLE
Assessment of Knowledge of Dental Staff at a Saudi Arabian University Regarding the Prophylaxis for Infective Endocarditis
Ahmed Bhayat* , Fadi Jarab, Samir Mansuri, Mohammad Sami Ahmad , Mohamed Saad Mahrous
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2013Volume: 7
First Page: 82
Last Page: 87
Publisher ID: TODENTJ-7-82
DOI: 10.2174/1874210601307010082
Article History:
Received Date: 19/3/2013Revision Received Date: 27/4/2013
Acceptance Date: 30/4/2013
Electronic publication date: 26 /7/2013
Collection year: 2013
open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
Abstract
The use of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of infective endocarditis following dental procedures has long been debated and there is still confusion regarding its efficacy. As a result, the prophylactic treatment varies considerably amongst different countries across the world and amongst different dental practitioners.
Aim:
To evaluate the knowledge of dental staff regarding the guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis.
Methods:
This was a cross sectional analytical study which included all staff members. A self administered questionnaire was used and responses were “graded” according to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.
Results:
The response rate was 87% (N=39) and 97% reported to use the AHA guidelines; 66% reported their knowledge was based on previous training and scientific journals. Of those cardiac conditions and dental procedures which required prophylaxis; 47% and 65% chose the correct option, respectively. Penicillin was prescribed as the drug of choice by the majority of respondents.
Conclusions:
Although almost all staff reported the use of the AHA guidelines, many were not following them. The study emphasizes the need for continuous education and evaluation of this critical aspect of dentistry.
