Antibiotic resistance is a global, urgent threat—and dentistry has a real role to play. As a professional membership association, ADS equips dental teams to prescribe wisely, treat definitively, and communicate clearly with patients.

Paradigm Shifts That Improve Care

Outdated paradigms are easier and faster for the dentist, but create a greater risk of drug-related problems and increased resistance. 

The current paradigms require case-by-case evaluation, including the possible need for more time and attention to treating the patient, but help prevent over-use of medications that lead to microbial resistance and dangerous adverse events.

• From “antibiotics cure dental infections” to “definitive treatment cures the infection.” Antibiotics are adjuncts when indicated.
• From “premedicate broadly” to “premedicate selectively” for specific high‑risk patients per current guidance.
• From “just in case” to “only when necessary.”
• From “start immediately” to “right timing” based on history, signs, and symptoms; consider delayed prescribing or treatment-first.
• From “penicillin allergy = different antibiotic” to “verify allergy; refer for testing when indicated.”
• From “10‑day courses” to “shortest effective duration,” typically 3–7 days; discontinue 24 hours after symptom resolution.
• From “narcotics for pain” to “non‑opioid first” (acetaminophen/NSAIDs, multimodal strategies).

What You Should Know

• Antibiotic resistance is recognized worldwide as an urgent public health threat, undermining our ability to treat, cure, and survive infections once considered manageable.
• Inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is the main driver of resistance.
• Antibiotic stewardship means prescribing the right antibiotic, at the right dose, at the right time, for the optimal duration—only when indicated. This reduces unnecessary prescribing, preserves effectiveness, and protects patients.
• In the U.S., more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year and cause 23,000 deaths. Dentists write about 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions—so our decisions matter.
• Educating ourselves and our patients, and following current guidelines, are the first steps to combat microbial resistance.
• ADS provides practical information, CE, and resources to help you practice antibiotic stewardship.
• U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is recognized every November—use it to educate your team and your patients.

In Summary

Antibiotic resistance is urgent, and dentistry has leverage. Stewardship means the right drug, dose, timing, and duration—only when indicated—and definitive treatment first. With dentists writing roughly 10% of U.S. antibiotic prescriptions, our choices matter.

Help maintain a culture of safety in your practice and strengthen your team’s knowledge. Complete the December 2025 ICIP online course to earn 1 CE credit – free for ADS Members, or available for just $20 for non-members.

Join ADS!

ADS membership gives you free access to our full ICIP course library and many more essential resources for continuing education and dental safety. Join now and invest in your professional growth and your practice’s well-being.

Stay tuned for the next ICIP issue – coming in February 2026!