An analysis of antibiotic prescriptions from general dental practitioners in England

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotics prescribed by general dental practitioners (GDPs). Adult antibiotic prescriptions issued by GDPs from 10 Health Authorities (HAs) in England were analysed. The type of antibiotic prescribed, dose, frequency and duration were investigated. Most of the 17007 prescriptions were for generic antibiotics; nine different antibiotics were prescribed. Many practitioners prescribed antibiotics inappropriately with inconsistent frequency and dose, and for prolonged periods.