Knowledge of Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Dental Procedures Among Nepali Dental Students: A Questionnaire-based Study

Background Prescribing medication is an essential part of clinical dentistry, especially when it comes to the use of antibiotics for the treatment of acute odontogenic infections, surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, and in medically compromised patients. Research on dental students' knowledge and attitude of antimicrobial prophylaxis in dental practice is notably lacking in Nepal. This study aims to bridge that gap by assessing the level of understanding among Nepali dental students. Methods An online, questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out among dental students all over Nepal. A total of 288 dental students from Nepal took part in the study, comprising 189 undergraduate students, 62 interns, and 37 postgraduate students. A standard structured questionnaire that included 12 clinically relevant and three perception-based questions was distributed online. The results were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Results The mean ± SD correct answers were 6.79 ± 2.26. More than three-fourths of the total students (288), i.e., 76.04% (219), answered more than half of the questions correctly. In the dosage and timing scenario, 76.3% of the students answered correctly wherein interns provided the most correct responses (91.0%). In deciding their knowledge of specific scenarios, 73.7% of the students knew when to prescribe correctly in four of five relevant scenarios, with postgraduates performing better (76.1%). Performance declined significantly when it involved evaluating scenarios deemed inappropriate for prophylaxis. Additionally, self-reported perceptions highlighted significant gaps in knowledge (38.6%) and confidence (40.9%). These deficiencies emphasize the strong need for further education, as acknowledged by two-thirds (65.4%) of the students. Conclusion The majority of responders correctly answered over half of the clinical questions, but not all of them. To ensure that future dentists in Nepal possess sufficient skill to make appropriate prescription choices and to minimize the risks of antibiotic overuse, a standardized Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) training program must be implemented in every dental school in Nepal.