When prescribing antibiotics, dentists should be sure that the benefit outweighs the risk and that the antibiotics are being prescribed according to current guidelines and best practices. Much of the information clinicians may have learned in dental school or residency is now being shown to be incorrect. This is especially true with respect to the duration of antibiotic use.

Dentists often have a mindset to attempt to prevent an infection from occurring when doing oral surgical procedures including extractions and implant placement. In an attempt to prevent an infection antibiotics are being used unnecessarily and are leading to adverse outcomes for patients. Dentists prescribe 10% of antibiotics in healthcare, the majority of which is “preventive”. Antibiotic associated C. difficile infections and antibiotic resistance related superbug infections lead to an estimated 64,000 deaths yearly in the United States. This means dentist prescribed antibiotics account for up to 6,400 of those deaths. That amounts to 17-18 deaths per day related to antibiotic use in dentistry.

We have an obligation to first of all “do no harm” when we treat patients and that includes following evidence based guidelines and best practices when prescribing antibiotics. In this course (Module4) the following topics will be covered:

• Appropriate antibiotic prescribing for extractions and minor oral surgery
• Appropriate antibiotic prescribing for implant placement and bone grafting
• Appropriate antibiotic prescribing for sinus lift procedures
• Appropriate antibiotic prescribing for apical surgery
• Appropriate antibiotic prescribing for periodontal root planing
• Appropriate antibiotic prescribing for endodontic/pulpal infections
• Proper dosing and duration of antibiotic therapy
• Salivary diagnostics and antibiotic use
• Determining whether patient co-morbidities influence antibiotic use
• Sample antibiotic prescriptions
• Penicillin allergy and the use of Cephalosporins
• Risks of Clindamycin and Fluoroquinolones and when they may be indicated
• Questions to ask patients before prescribing antibiotics
• Probiotic use when prescribing antibiotics
• How to explain to patients why antibiotics are not indicated for a “toothache” and why it may cause them harm
• Action plan for implementing antibiotic stewardship into your practice

Course Overview: Appropriate Antibiotic Use in Dentistry

Antibiotics play a crucial role in managing bacterial infections, but their overuse and misuse in dentistry contribute to antibiotic resistance, Clostridioides difficile infections, and superbug-related deaths. Dentists account for 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions in healthcare, with the majority being for preventive purposes rather than treatment of active infections. Unfortunately, studies show that many of these prescriptions are unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Dentists often prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections following oral surgical procedures such as extractions, implant placements, and periodontal treatments. However, current evidence shows that many of these prescriptions do not provide any benefit and instead increase risks for patients. In the U.S. alone, dentist-prescribed antibiotics may contribute to as many as 6,400 deaths annually due to antibiotic-associated complications.

As healthcare professionals, we have a duty to “do no harm”—which includes following evidence-based guidelines when prescribing antibiotics. This course (Module 4) is designed to help dental professionals make informed, responsible decisions about antibiotic use, ensuring safer patient care while reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and associated infections.

What You’ll Learn in This Course

This module will provide practical, evidence-based guidance on appropriate antibiotic prescribing, covering:

• When to prescribe antibiotics for common dental procedures:
  • Extractions and minor oral surgery
  • Implant placement and bone grafting
  • Sinus lift procedures
  • Apical surgery
  • Periodontal root planing
  • Endodontic/pulpal infections
• Proper antibiotic selection, dosing, and duration – Preventing overprescription and unnecessary prolonged use.
• Salivary diagnostics and antibiotic use – Using advanced diagnostic tools to guide antibiotic prescribing.
• Assessing patient co-morbidities – Understanding when medical conditions influence antibiotic necessity.
• Sample antibiotic prescriptions – Practical recommendations for correct antibiotic use.
• Penicillin allergy and cephalosporins – Debunking myths and identifying safe alternatives.
• Risks of Clindamycin and Fluoroquinolones – Understanding their dangers and appropriate indications.
• Key questions to ask before prescribing antibiotics – Ensuring antibiotics are necessary for each patient.
• Probiotic use with antibiotics – Reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated complications.
• How to explain to patients why antibiotics may not be needed for a “toothache” – Educating patients on why unnecessary antibiotics can cause more harm than good.
• Action plan for implementing antibiotic stewardship in your practice – Practical steps to incorporate responsible antibiotic prescribing into daily practice.

Why Take This Course?

✅ Prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reduce risks to your patients.
✅ Ensure you are following the latest evidence-based guidelines.
✅ Minimize your contribution to antibiotic resistance and deadly superbug infections.
✅ Improve patient communication about when antibiotics are truly needed.
✅ Implement an effective antibiotic stewardship program in your practice.

By taking this course, you will be better equipped to make informed prescribing decisions, protecting both your patients and public health.

Join this course today and become a leader in antibiotic stewardship in dentistry!

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