Development of a rational antibiotic usage course for dentists.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this report are to describe the development process of this rational antibiotic usage course and to evaluate the short-term efficiency of the course in terms of the level of improvement in knowledge and feedbacks of the participants.


METHODS
A needs assessment survey was carried out on the curriculum development process in order to determine the patterns of drug usage and level of knowledge on antibiotics of potential participants. A total of 162 dentists from two dental hospitals in Izmir were interviewed using standard questionnaires. The course content and educational strategies were determined according to the needs assessment results. Fifty-eight dentists applied to the first three courses conducted between 2002 and 2004. Pre/post-test design was performed for level of improvement in knowledge and a questionnaire form, scored by Likert Scale with 5 point, was used for participants' feedback.


RESULTS
The mean score, which was 9.74 +/- 2.71 in pre-test, increased to 18.16 +/- 1.58 in post-test and the difference was significant (t = -28.805; P = 0.000). The knowledge and approach of the trainers was appreciated most of all. Participants enjoyed the course very much, and reported a high level of satisfaction regarding the content, trainers, educational techniques and teaching material. The suggestions for future courses included increasing the course length (21.2%). Results from the needs assessment survey revealed that the study population over-used antibiotics, relied on incorrect sources of information, was unaware of the results of irrational antibiotic usage and did not check sufficiently with patients before prescribing.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings supported the need for regular courses in the application of antibiotics in dental practice and continuous refreshment of knowledge.
Ocek
Z
Z
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. zeliha.ocek@ege.edu.tr
Sahin
H
H
Baksi
G
G
Apaydin
S
S
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000592:standards*; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016730:Program Development
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents