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Endocarditis prophylaxis and congenital heart defects in the N orwegian P ublic D ental S ervice
Author(s) -
Sivertsen Tine B,
Åstrøm Anne N,
Greve Gottfried,
Aßmus Jörg,
Skeie Marit S
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.12035
Subject(s) - medicine , norwegian , endocarditis , medical prescription , respondent , family medicine , dentistry , cross sectional study , antibiotic prophylaxis , oral hygiene , antibiotics , nursing , philosophy , linguistics , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , political science , law , biology
Aims The aims of this study are (i) to assess how dental health workers of the Public Dental Service, PDS , carry out endocarditis prophylaxis related to dental treatment for children and adolescents with congenital heart defects ( CHD ) and to identify factors influencing their appropriate use of guidelines and (ii) to assess how dental health workers perceive any characteristics of patients with CHD . Methods This cross‐sectional study was based on self‐administered questionnaires mailed to all dentists and hygienists in the PDS in three Norwegian counties. Results The response rates among dentists (n = 130) and dental hygienists (n = 54) were, respectively, 63% and 68%. The findings revealed an over‐prescription of endocarditis antibiotics to patients with CHD . Most of the background variables investigated did not influence the responders' prescription decision for appropriate use of the current guidelines on the topic. The only significant factor was whether or not the respondent considered that the endocarditis prophylaxis guidelines were consistent and easy to follow. Compared with healthy children, dental healthcare workers felt less confident when providing dental treatment to children with CHD . Conclusion There is room for improved education about children with CHD in dentistry and dental education.