Engaging the Global Dental Profession to Help Tackle Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract

In the pre-antibiotic era, deaths from dental infections were common. Dentists are responsible for prescribing around 10% of antibiotics across healthcare globally. During 2020, dental antibiotic prescribing increased dramatically due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on dental procedures, which are vital for preventing and managing dental infections. FDI World Dental Federation responded with a framework about the essential role of dental teams in tackling antibiotic resistance, setting out a program to engage the global dental profession. Three exemplars include an open online course (with >2300 learners enrolled from >100 countries), a pledge for national dental organizations, and an early career researcher network.

Keywords

• dental care
• oral health
• antibiotic
• antimicrobial
• resistance
• engagement