Bacterial chemoprophylaxis knowledge and practice among New Zealand dentists.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate general dental practitioners' current understanding and practice of oral antibiotic prophylaxis.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of a random sample of New Zealand general dental practitioners (GDPs).


METHODS
A postal questionnaire was sent to 700 GDPs (response rate 64.5%).


RESULTS
Most practitioners (91.3%) followed the guidelines of the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand (NHFNZ), rather than those of other organisations, and the majority accurately prescribed the standard oral amoxycillin dose. However, there was inconsistency when prescribing for penicillin-allergic patients, with three-quarters of respondents opting for inappropriate regimens, and almost half favouring an outdated erythromycin regimen. There was also inconsistency in prescribing for patients with a prosthetic joint. Most respondents considered their practice to be adequately equipped to handle an allergic reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, New Zealand GDPs adhere to the accepted guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis, but some confusion remains, and a review of the NHFNZ guidelines may be warranted to ensure that they reflect current scientific opinion, and to make New Zealand guidelines consistent with those used in similar countries.
Ponnambalam
Y
Y
Department of Oral Sciences, School of Dentistry, Univeristy of Otago, Dunedin, New Zeland.
Love
Robert M
RM
Thomson
W Murray
WM
D000328:Adult; D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005792:General Practice, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000658:Amoxicillin