The use of antibiotics in acute oral health patients presenting at public dental clinics in the Western Sydney region.

This article focuses on the frequency, appropriateness, and factors influencing antibiotic prescriptions for acute dental problems among patients attending public dental clinics in Greater Western Sydney. The study found that 15.9% of patients reported antibiotic use prior to their dental visit, with over 70% of these prescriptions deemed inappropriate according to Australian Therapeutic Guidelines, particularly among general medical practitioners (GMPs) who provided most antibiotics. While the types of antibiotics prescribed were generally suitable, there was a low preference for the recommended narrow-spectrum phenoxymethylpenicillin, and some unsuitable use of cephalexin was noted. The findings highlight a need for targeted education and improved antimicrobial stewardship among GMPs to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and combat antimicrobial resistance.