تقييم المعرفة الدوائية لدى اطباء الاسنان في مدينة دمشق

Background & Objective: The information related to the level of knowledge that Syrian dentists have about pharmacology and medication used in clinical practice is still not available. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the knowledge toward medication used by dentists in Damascus. Material& methods: A questionnaire was designed and distributed to investigate the knowledge of dentists working in Damascus who prescribe medications. References and resources used to obtain information about medications prescribed for patients were assessed. All medications prescribed, number of prescriptions, opinion towards oral diseases that need medications, and more common medications used in dental clinic, were also documented. Results: 200 respondents returned fully completed questionnaire. About 84% did not participate in any course about medications after graduations. About 41% admitted lack of knowledge about medications prescribed by them. They have also admitted that they prescribe medications based on company recommendations. Information obtained by dentists who graduated after the year 2000, was significantly more efficient than those who graduated before. About 66% of dentists reported that dental curriculum did not take into consideration pharmacology in dental practice which made them incompetent to prescribe medications. Only 1.5% of dentists reported essential elements written in prescription. Conclusion: this study demonstrated lack of knowledge about medications used in clinical practice. A critical reform for dental curricula is needed, and particularly in pharmacology for dental students in order to produce graduate who is competent to practice in dental clinic.