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VIDEO: Asking dentists to curb unnecessary antibiotics
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WASHINGTON — In this video from IDWeek, Alan E. Gross, PharmD, a clinical assistant professor, and Katie J. Suda, PharmD, MS, an associate professor — both from the University of Illinois — discuss findings from a retrospective cohort study investigating the impact of unnecessary antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry.
“About 4% of patients experienced either a new allergy, anaphylaxis, Clostridioides difficile infection or an emergency department visit within 14 days after unnecessary antibiotic prophylaxis prior to their dental visit,” Gross said.
According to Suda, these findings are important because 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions in the United States are prescribed by dentists.
“We need to start talking to our dentist colleagues,” Suda said. “But also, medical clinicians, pharmacists, nurses, dental hygienists, all need to be part of this conversation and assist dentists in making sure that their patients are getting prophylaxis only when absolutely indicated.”
Reference:
Gross AE, et al. Abstract 1895. Presented at: IDWeek; Oct. 2-6, 2019; Washington.
Disclosures: Gross and Suda report no relevant financial disclosures