Method: Nine narrative in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with nine primary care dentists were performed. All material was transcribed verbatim. To analyze the data grounded theory was applied.
Result: The qualitative data revealed that most interviewed dentists perceive themselves as “low-prescribers”. Nonetheless, interviewees stressed that there are particular situations in which they are more inclined to prescribe antibiotics than they usually do. These situations include patient consultations during emergency medical services or consultations shortly before the start of the weekend or bank holidays. As a reason dentists emphasized to worry about the possibly worsening health condition of patients. Also, dentists underlined the challenges related to the treatment of patients suffering from multimorbidity, especially as far as endocarditis prophylaxis is concerned. Here, dentists would appreciate an improved communication with general practitioners and cardiologists.
Conclusion: The data revealed several paths for optimizing antibiotic prescribing in dentistry. Based on these findings an intervention concept will be modelled and tested.