Knowledge about antibiotic resistance among dental students in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu – A cross-sectional study

Antibiotic resistance is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world. New resistance mechanism is emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. Dentists prescribe about 9–11% of all common antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of antibiotic resistance among graduating dental students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 294 participants between November 2019 and December 2019. A structured questionnaire consisting of 14 questions was administered to the dental students. Descriptive analysis of demographic variables was done and knowledge score and attitude score were performed using Kruskal–Wallis H test. About 85% of the participants suggested amoxicillin as the choice of antibiotic. Among the four domains suggesting the solution for antibiotic resistance, 48% of the final year students suggested avoiding self-medication as a solution, 34% of interns suggested avoiding over dosage, and 48% of the 3rd year students suggested completing the course of antibiotics. A majority of (87%) of the final year students suggested the usage of prophylactic antibiotics in patients with infective endocarditis. The difference in mean change in attitude scores among the groups was statistically significant (P = 0.028). The research showed variable levels of knowledge and attitude about antibiotic resistance among the students of different year of study. The study result insists the need to educate the dental students more regarding antibiotics and their proper use.