Prevalence and Predictors of Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescriptions Among Dentists in Muscat Governorate, Oman

Abstract

Objectives: Inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions represent a major healthcare concern, contributing to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Dentists account for up to 10% of antibiotic prescriptions, highlighting the need for rational prescribing practices. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by dentists in primary health clinics in Muscat Governorate, Oman. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on dental antibiotic prescriptions issued between July and December 2024 in government and private dental care facilities across Muscat Governorate. Clinics were randomly selected and data were extracted from electronic patient records using a structured form. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and logistic regression were performed. Results: A total of 401 dental antibiotic prescriptions were analysed. The most frequent diagnosis for which antibiotics were prescribed was pulpitis (28.4%). Most prescriptions (84.5%) were issued by dentists with more than 10 years of experience and 67.8% were prescribed without clinical intervention. Amoxicillin was most prescribed (56.6%). Overall, 69.1% of prescriptions were inappropriate, with rational prescriptions associated with dentist experience (P <0.001) and the presence of diffuse swelling (P <0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified dentist experience as the only significant predictor of inappropriate prescribing, with more experienced dentists being less likely to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately (adjusted odds ratio = 0.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.79; P <0.001). Conclusions: A high proportion of antibiotic prescriptions by dentists in Muscat were unjustified, with dentist experience identified as a key predictor of appropriate prescribing practices. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and antibiotic stewardship programmes to promote rational prescribing among dentists.