Dentists in S’pore lack awareness on prescribing antibiotics: NUS study

A recent study conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore's Faculty of Dentistry has highlighted a concerning lack of awareness among dentists regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics. The study, which surveyed 280 dentists in Singapore, found that 71.2 per cent of respondents often or always prescribed prophylactic antibiotics after extracting wisdom teeth in healthy patients, despite evidence suggesting that such antibiotics are unnecessary.

Similarly, 73.5 per cent of dentists routinely prescribed prophylactic antibiotics for dental implant surgeries. While these antibiotics have been reported to reduce early implant failure, their absolute risk reduction was only 2.9 per cent, with no differences in early failure rates for otherwise healthy patients. The study also revealed that dentists working in the public sector demonstrated greater awareness of appropriate antibiotic prescribing practices, compared to private-sector dentists who often relied on self-directed learning and independently sought out clinical updates.

Factors influencing inappropriate prescribing included patients expecting antibiotics and concerns about facing legal disputes. The researchers emphasized the need for national guidelines to ensure "more consistent, evidence-based, and rational prescribing practices" and suggested that professional dental organizations could better disseminate updated recommendations through structured channels.

Dentists surveyed expressed a willingness to receive more training on antimicrobial resistance and the appropriate prescription of antibiotics, as well as the use of mobile apps to aid in making informed decisions.