Antibiotic Stewardship Programs and Policies for the Safest Dental Visit

Session Description: Nationally, US dentists are top prescribers of outpatient antibiotics prescriptions; many of them unnecessary and potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance. However, guidelines are changing, and policy is, too! This session will review the current evidence base for, and define the challenges with, antibiotic use in dentistry; articulate the roles of dentists and state dental directors in the future of antibiotic stewardship; and discuss best practices for implementing antibiotic stewardship strategies to keep communities safe. Participants will be shown an example of an antibiotic stewardship initiative that was implemented at the state level, and brainstorm programs and policies that have the potential to work in their state. Lastly, participants will collaborate on future state and national policy options for antibiotic stewardship.