Survey of compliance with guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis by Israeli dentists

The object of the study was to determine the extent of compliance among Israeli dentists with the 1990 American Heart Association and British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis in high-risk patients undergoing dental procedures. Of 198 participants in a national random telephone survey of dentists from February to June 1992 in Israel, 64% correctly identified the dental procedures that require prophylaxis, but only 29.1% correctly identified the cardiac conditions that define a high-risk patient. Most dentists correctly identified the antibiotic of choice and a suitable alternative, but the proper timing of the therapy-both before and after the procedure-was known by only 57.2% of the respondents. Only 57.5% were found to be using a clinically acceptable prophylactic regimen. Graduates of Hebrew- or English-language dental schools were significantly more knowledgeable as to the correct prophylaxis regimen than were graduates of West or East European countries. In conclusion, despite the existence of clear and easy-to-follow guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis, half of Israeli dentists do not implement these protocols in their practices.