Dentistry

Abstract

Perception of Final Year Dental Students on Pattern of Medication for Pulpitis

Ashfaq Akram, Nabishah Mohamad, Abdus Salam, Dalia Abdullah and Ruzana zamzam

Background: Numerous studies have examined the pattern of various analgesics and antibiotics prescribed by primary dental health care practitioners to manage irreversible pulpitis. Aim: To determine the pattern of medicines for irreversible pulpitis in undergraduate dental students.
Methodology: A cross sectional survey of open ended questionnaire based on dental scenarios of irreversible pulpitis for child, pregnant woman and apical periodontitis for man was carried out at department of operative dentistry. The questionnaire sought mock medications by the 5th year undergraduate dental students. Responses (n=111) were collected and analysed by frequency for drug prescribed. Data included the name of medicines, dose and presentation of the drugs.
Results: Of the 57 distributed questionnaires, 37 (63%) respondents returned completed forms. A total of 24 (64.8%) of the respondents were female. Majority of mock prescriptions (97.4%) had a combination of antibiotics and analgesics to male patients having apical periodontitis. Almost 25% suggested antibiotics to the pregnant women of 1st trimester, while 81.9% suggested antibiotic and analgesic in tablet form to a child patient. In analgesic and antibiotics groups, acetaminophen (75.5%) and amoxicillin (56.7%) were highest respectively. Abbreviated drug name (11.7% analgesic and 0.9% antibiotic), and incorrect strengths (7.3% antibiotics and 14 % analgesics) were found.
Conclusion: Amoxicillin and acetaminophen were primary medication for irreversible pulpitis. More clinical training on medication is suggested.