Trends of Final Year Dental Students on Medication for Pulpitis & Apical Periodontitis

Many studies have examined the pattern of various analgesics and antibiotics prescribed by primary care dental practitioners to treat irreversible pulpitis. To determine the pattern of medicines for irreversible pulpitis among undergraduate dental students, a cross sectional survey seeking mock medications based on dental scenarios of irreversible pulpitis for child, pregnant woman and apical periodontitis for man was carried out on final year 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. Majority of mock prescriptions (97.4%) had a combination of antibiotics and analgesics to male patients having apical periodontitis. Almost 25% prescribed antibiotics to the pregnant women of 1 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. Amoxicillin and acetaminophen were primary medication for irreversible pulpitis. More clinical training especially on prescribing medication was suggested.