Dentists’ Antibiotic Prescription Practices Remain Unchanged

Dental antibiotic prescribing rates stayed stable from 2012 to 2019, despite efforts to revise guidelines and implement antibiotic stewardship programs in dental settings, according to a study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. During the study period, 216 million antibiotics were prescribed by 241,106 dentists, with a notable majority going to men (55%) and those ages 40 to 64 (42%). Amoxicillin and clindamycin were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics, making up 62.8% and 14.2% of prescriptions, respectively. The study’s findings contrast with trends in prescribing practices, indicating that there may be a need for increased emphasis on antibiotic stewardship in dental care. Click here to read more.