Abstract
Background and aims. Dental procedures injuring oral tissues may induce bacterial release to
blood stream that can cause infective endocarditis in susceptible patients. The aim of this study was to
determine the level of knowledge of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran,
regarding endocarditis prophylaxis in cardiac patients receiving dental treatments.
Materials and methods. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study that included 150
GDPs. All practitioners were given a self-administered questionnaire which consisted of three parts assessing
their knowledge of cardiac diseases requiring prophylaxis, dental procedures requiring prophylaxis,
and antibiotic regimen for endocarditis prophylaxis. Statistical analysis of data was carried out
using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and chi-square test.
Results. The level of knowledge among GDPs in three areas of cardiac diseases requiring prophylaxis,
dental procedures requiring prophylaxis, and antibiotic regimen for endocarditis prophylaxis were
63.7%, 66.8% and 47.7%, respectively. Their overall level of knowledge regarding endocarditis prophylaxis
was 59%. Association of the level of knowledge with age and practice period was statistically significant
(P < 0.05). However, the level of knowledge was not significantly associated with gender or
university of graduation in either of three areas evaluated (P > 0.05).
Conclusion. According to our results, the knowledge of endocarditis prophylaxis among GDPs in
Tabriz was in a moderate level. Regarding the importance of endocarditis prophylaxis in susceptible
patients, it should be more emphasized in the curriculum of dental schools and continuing dental education
programs.