A survey was conducted to determine prescribing practices of general dental and medical practitioners regarding the use of antibiotics for prophylaxis.
A questionnaire with an accompanying letter was designed to investigate prescribing practices of general dentists and physicians. The survey encompassed demographic data, mechanisms to keep current with prophylactic practice, first- and second-line drugs prescribed with doses and directions, applicable medical conditions and dental procedures warranting antibiotic prophylaxis. Names were chosen randomly from provincial lists and ethics approval was granted. Responses were compared with 1997 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.
In all, 1,500 surveys were sent to each group, with a response rate of 32% of dentists and 17% of physicians. There was a significant difference (p