European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine ISSN 2515-8260 Volume 08, Issue 03, 2021 2811 Knowledge and practices of dental students of Kashmir regarding antibiotic prescription and development of resistance : A cross sectional study Dr. Iram Kahkashan,Tutor Department of Pharmacology ,Skims Medical College ,Srinagar Dr. Sana Farooq, Tutor, MDS Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Srinagar , Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Nazia Lone, HOD and Associate Professor, MDS Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Srinagar , Jammu and Kashmir ABSTRACT : As odontogenic infections have multimicrobial etiology like Gram-positive, Gram-negative, facultative anaerobes, and obligate anaerobic bacteria so major proportion of analgesics and antibiotics are prescribed by dentist. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge , practices and awareness of dentist of Kashmir regarding antibiotic prescription and development of resistance .75% of dentist agreed self medication as a prime reason of antibiotic resistance and abuse. As per the survey there was overprescription of antibiotic by the dentist and over the counter use of these medication by patients. Key words: Odontogenic infection , Antibiotic resistance, Over the counter use, INTRODUCTION : Inappropriate, indiscriminate and irrational use of antiobiotics lead to antibiotic resistance and dentist can overprescribe them other than over the counter use by patients. 1 National Centre for disease control and prevention stated one third of all out patient antibiotic prescription is unnecessary. 2 A critical approach to treat odontogenic infections by antibiotic therapy is needed to avoid indiscriminate use . 3 This study will evaluate the antibiotic prescribing practices among dentist of Kashmir and their attitude toward growing concern of antibiotic resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 72 interns and junior residents prescribing medication at OPD at Government Dental College and Hospital, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir using a validated questionnaire that included demographic details and survey items to evaluate the dentists knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on overprescription of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance through a whatsapp based survey. The data was analyzed using the survey tool survey monkey.