Home > Resources > Antibiotic Stewardship for Oral Health > Antibiotic Stewardship for Prescribers

Antibiotic ProphylaxisAntibiotics for the Treatment of Dental InfectionsAntibiotic Stewardship | Adverse Events | Additional Resources

Antibiotic Stewardship efforts for dentists aim to improve antibiotic usage, improve patient outcomes, and decrease the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. By prescribing antibiotics only when necessary, dentists may ensure patients receive only antibiotic therapy when indicated.  These limited situations include prescribing antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures when indicated and the treatment of odontogenic infections in certain clinical situations. After making an accurate diagnosis, dentists must ensure they prescribe the right drug, dose, and duration. Dentists can find guidance on antibiotic prescribing, stewardship efforts, adverse events related to antibiotics, penicillin allergies, and toolkits to help with antibiotic stewardship efforts in the resources outlined below. 

Below are key articles, resources, and guidelines that will support clinicians chairside in a prioritized list.

  1. How are dentists prescribing antibiotics?
  2. How and why are antibiotics used prophylactically?
  3. Chairside Guide for Antibiotics Use for Patients with Tooth Pain and Swelling when Dental Treatment is Immediately Available
  4. Chairside Guide for Antibiotics Use for Patients with Tooth Pain and Swelling when Dental Treatment is NOT Immediately Available
  5. How can we practice antibiotic stewardship in dentistry?
  6. How can I practice antibiotic stewardship? (CDC Checklist)
  7. What if my patient has a penicillin allergy?
  8. How do I assess if my patient's allergy is a true allergy?
  9. ADS, formerly known as OSAP, Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance Toolkit
  10. Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior to Dental Procedures After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Does Not Decrease the Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Back to Top


Educational resources, continuing education (CE) and training opportunities, and resources for dental prescribers on antibiotic stewardship are linked below.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Back to Top


Antibiotics for the Treatment of Dental Infections

Back to Top


Antibiotic Stewardship 

Back to Top


Adverse Events

Penicillin Allergies

Opportunistic Infections (C. Diff) & Antibiotic Resistance

Back to Top


Additional Resources

ADS Student Membership—As a student, you can join ADS for FREE! You'll receive a complimentary ADS membership through graduation. Once you graduate, you will receive an additional one (1) year of Premium membership active from August 1 to July 31. Learn more!

Click on the boxes below to view resources for dental team members, policymakers, and patients receiving dental care.

Antibiotic Stewardship for the Dental Team    Antibiotic Stewardship for Policymakers    Antibiotic Stewardship for Patients

Back to Top