Adherence to Infective Endocarditis Prevention Guidelines by Israeli Dentists Who Treat Children.

PURPOSE: To examine the rate of adherence of Israeli dentists who treat children and their rate of adherence, in 2010-2011 and in 2016, to changes made to the 2008 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for endocarditis prevention. METHODS: A questionnaire on adherence to AHA guidelines was handed out in two consecutive continuing education courses in 2010-2011 and again in 2016. Data were analyzed using student's t test, chi-square, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Response rates were 62 percent in 2010 -2011 and 73 percent in 2016. Residents and pediatric dentists adhered more to the guidelines than general dentists (P=.036 and P=0.034 in 2011 and 2016, respectively). Knowledge of guidelines for dental procedures that required antibiotic prophylaxis was better than for medical conditions (52.8 percent and 79.6 percent, respectively, in 2011; 64 percent and 80 percent, respectively, in 2016). Lowest adherence was scored for prophylaxis in moderate-risk patients (32.8 percent in 2010 to 2011, 26 percent in 2016; P=.151), which was a pivotal change in the updated guidelines. Participants chose to consult with either a pediatrician or a cardiologist in 77.4 percent and 62.2 percent of the listed medical conditions in 2010 to 2011 and in 2016, respectively (P=.055). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately a third of dentists who treat children in Israel did not follow the AHA guidelines' fundamental changes. Most dentists tended to consult physicians prior to prophylaxis administration for moderate- and high-risk groups.