Inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions in dentistry contribute significantly to global antimicrobial resistance. An international educational initiative is helping to change this by improving dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing behaviors – with measurable success.
- Dentists account for a substantial share of antibiotic prescriptions, often issued without clear clinical justification.
- An international education program has proven effective in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in dental practice.
- Results show improved prescribing patterns among participating dentists, aligning with global antimicrobial stewardship goals.
- The project promotes evidence-based practice through tailored online modules and international collaboration.
Antibiotic resistance: a global threat with dental implications
Antibiotic resistance remains one of the most pressing public health issues of our time, with dentistry contributing more to the problem than is often recognized. Studies have shown that up to 10% of all outpatient antibiotic prescriptions originate in dental settings – and a significant portion of these are not clinically justified.
“Dentists frequently prescribe antibiotics as a precaution, without proper indication, especially in cases involving pain, inflammation, or before routine procedures,” says Dr. Anna Kowalska, an expert in dental pharmacotherapy. This inappropriate prescribing accelerates the development of resistant bacterial strains and undermines the effectiveness of life-saving drugs.
International project: educating dentists to prescribe responsibly
To address this issue, a consortium of European universities and healthcare institutions launched an educational project aimed at improving antibiotic stewardship in dentistry. The initiative focuses on enhancing dentists’ awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and equipping them with evidence-based guidelines for prescribing antibiotics appropriately.
The program includes:
- Interactive online training modules in multiple languages
- Case-based learning tailored to everyday dental practice
- Resources for patient communication and education
- Assessment tools for self-evaluation and feedback
Tangible improvements in clinical practice
After completing the program, participating dentists reported greater confidence in avoiding unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. In follow-up assessments, many showed measurable improvements in aligning their practices with current European guidelines.
“Educational interventions like this one are key to long-term behavior change in clinical settings,” explains Prof. Marco Russo, one of the project coordinators. “Dentists are willing to adapt – they just need the right tools and support.”
A model for sustainable global change
With antibiotic resistance recognized by the WHO as a global health priority, dentistry cannot be left behind in stewardship efforts. The success of this educational project illustrates that structured, well-designed programs can effectively support clinicians in changing their approach.
The organizers now plan to expand the project to include more countries and adapt the content for local regulatory contexts.
Key takeaways:
Dentists are responsible for a notable proportion of antibiotic overuse in outpatient settings.
An international educational initiative has successfully reduced inappropriate prescriptions in dental practices.
Evidence-based training improves dentists’ decision-making and aligns practice with stewardship goals.
Wider implementation of such programs is crucial to combating antibiotic resistance globally.
