Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the knowledge of last grade students in Ankara and Kırıkkale University Faculty of Dentistry, by applying a questionnaire about the use of systemic antibiotics in endodontic infections in pediatric patients.
Material and Methods: A questionnaire, including questions about indications of antibiotics and antibiotics used in children, was answered by a total of 224 students with 155 students from Ankara University and 69 students from Kırıkkale University. The data was analyzed by descriptive statistics using the SPSS program.
Results: Two hundred and seventeen students (97.7%) completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. Of the students, 98.6% preferred amoxicillin as an antibiotic to the patient who had no medical allergy. The advised duration of antibiotic treatment was 6.4±1.6 (mean) days. Clindamycin was the first choice for children with penicillin allergy (79.3%). Respectively 1.4% and 11.9% of students reported that they would prescribe antibiotics in teeth with reversible pulpitis and irreversible pulpitis with vital pulp. Of the students, 14.3% prescribed antibiotics for irreversible pulpitis with devital pulp, and 48.8% of the students for localized dentoalveolar abscess. 96.7% of the students stated that they would prescribe antibiotics when there was a diagnosis of diffuse swelling on the affected side of the patient's face.
Conclusion: Dental students need to develop their knowledge about the use of antibiotics related to endodontic infections in pediatric patients. By identifying the cases, students should have better skills in prescribing antibiotics in pulp-periapical pathology in the undergraduate period.