Published in PLOS One on 2026-03-24, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Suwayda Ahmed, Rukshana Ahmed, Razia Zulfikar Adam, Renier Coetzee, Mohmed Isaqali Karobari
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0344962
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Indiscriminate antibiotic prescribing in healthcare continues to make a significant contribution to increasing global antimicrobial resistance rates. This public health threat has the potential to cause 10 million deaths per year, if no action is taken to address this phenomenon. In light of escalating AMR rates, the World Health Organization recommended a Global Action Plan against AMR in 2015, which highlighted global attention to AMR. One of the objectives of the Global Action Plan is to improve knowledge of antimicrobial resistance through effective education and training. Studies have suggested gaps in the knowledge and practice of antibiotic prescribing among healthcare professionals and undergraduate students, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacology and veterinary science. The dental profession has been identified as being a major contributor of excessive antibiotic prescribing, accounting for approximately 10% of systemic antibiotic prescriptions globally. Clinical knowledge, skills and practice gained during undergraduate dental programs can influence the clinical practice and competency of future prescribers. Clinical teachers thus play a critical role in shaping undergraduate dental students’ prescribing behaviours. This translates to effective undergraduate healthcare programs which offer adequate education on antimicrobial resistance and rational antibiotic prescribing practices to ensure that students are well prepared prior to entering clinical practice.
To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial prescribing and AMR awareness among clinical teachers at a dental faculty in South Africa.
A quantitative, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among clinical teachers at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape in South Africa during the period of 28 September 2024 till 24 March 2025. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Responses were captured on a Google spreadsheet and exported to IBM SPSS Version 30 for descriptive and chi-square analyses.
Sixty-one clinical teachers participated in the study (75% female and 25% male), with an 87.1% response rate. Participants’ work experience ranged from less than 5 years (2%), 5–10 years (11%), 11–15 years (18%), to more than 15 years (69%). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic regimen was a combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole. Majority of respondents (90%) prescribed a 5-day course of antibiotics, suggesting consistency with recommended short-course therapy. In cases of penicillin allergy, clindamycin (62%) was the most favoured alternative, which is concerning, as clindamycin is associated with numerous adverse effects. The understanding of AMR among clinical teachers was positive, with 92% correctly identifying AMR as bacteria resisting the effects of antibiotic therapy. Ninety-five percent of respondents viewed antibiotic resistance as a growing concern. The results demonstrate strong awareness and adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines among respondents, with 100% reporting both awareness of and compliance with such guidelines.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Suwayda Ahmed, Rukshana Ahmed, Razia Zulfikar Adam, Renier Coetzee, Mohmed Isaqali Karobari. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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