Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
Spring 2018
Publisher
Wiley
Source Publication
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
Source ISSN
0022-4006
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to examine trends and racial/ethnic disparities in antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists in the United States.
Methods
The US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data for 1996‐2013 was analyzed. Information on patient sociodemographic characteristics, dental visits, receipt of dental procedures, and type of antibiotics prescribed following visits was obtained. Descriptive statistics were calculated separately for each year. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations during the period with and without adjustment for dental procedures and sociodemographic characteristics. Survey weights were incorporated to handle the sampling design.
Results
Nationally, the number of antibiotic prescribed at dental visits was estimated to be higher by 842,749 (0.4 percent) at year 2013 compared to the prescription level at 2003 were the population sociodemographic distribution kept at 2013 level. On average, the odds of prescribing antibiotics following dental care increased with each decade of study (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: [1.04, 1.17]) after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and receipt of dental procedures. Compared to Whites, Blacks had 21 percent (95% CI: 11%, 31%) higher odds of receiving a prescription for antibiotics from a dentist after adjusting for dental procedure and other sociodemographic characteristics.
Conclusions
The prescription of antibiotics following dental visits increased over time after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and dental procedure. The probability of being prescribed antibiotics by dentists was higher for Blacks compared to Whites.
Recommended Citation
Okunseri, Christopher; Zheng, C.; Steinmetz, C. N.; Okunseri, Elaye; and Szabo, Aniko, "Trends and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Antibiotic Prescribing Practices of Dentists in The United States" (2018). School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications. 295.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/dentistry_fac/295
Comments
Accepted version. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, Vol. 78, No. 2 (Spring 2018): 109-117. DOI. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Used with permission.