Assessment of newly graduated dentists' perspectives on antimicrobial utilization in periodontal therapy

Sažetak

Background/Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge level of recently graduated dentists regarding the utilization of antimicrobial agents in periodontal treatments and to elucidate the factors influencing their preferences. Material and Methods: The study encompassed 252 individuals who had recently graduated from dental school. Their attitudes and knowledge levels concerning the use of antimicrobial agents in periodontal treatments were assessed via a webbased survey, taking into consideration their training status regarding antimicrobial usage. Results: The majority of newly graduated dentists did not recommend antibiotics as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment. Among those who did, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination was the preferred choice (71.4%). Additionally, 65.5% preferred antibiotics for periodontal abscess treatment, and 87.3% favored them for necrotizing periodontal diseases. In surgical periodontal treatment, 68.7% preferred systemic antibiotics, with implant surgery being the most common indication. 94% of participants advocated for antiseptic mouthwash during periodontal treatment, with essential oils (51.2%) and chlorhexidine gluconate (47.6%) being the top choices. The incidence of antibiotic prescription in non-surgical periodontal treatment was found to be statistically significantly higher among individuals who received training in antibiotic utilization (p<0.005). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that newly graduated dentists commonly favor antibiotics and antimicrobial agents in the treatment of necrotizing diseases, periodontal abscesses, and after implant surgeries. It is evident that dentists' preferences for antimicrobial agents are positively influenced by their level of education.