Antibiotic stewardship in the dental setting means prescribing antibiotics only when they're truly needed, choosing the right drug at the right dose for the right duration, and helping patients understand how to take them safely.
Nationally, dentists write roughly one in ten outpatient antibiotic prescriptions, and many are for prophylaxis or for pain and swelling that could often be managed with treatment alone. Reducing unnecessary prescribing helps prevent avoidable harms such as C. difficile infection, allergic reactions, and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The resources below can assist dental professionals in prescribing antibiotics only when needed.
Prescribing Guidance & Checklists
A short checklist to work through before writing a prescription.
Visual guidance on situations where antibiotics generally aren't recommended.
Patient Materials
A patient-friendly handout explaining when antibiotics are – and aren't – needed for dental care.
Stewardship
A framework built around commitment, action for policy and practice, tracking and reporting, and education – useful for new and established programs alike.
American Dental Association (ADA) Antibiotic Stewardship
Background on why stewardship matters in dental practice, along with practical tools for the dental team.;
Evidence-based recommendations for managing pulpal and periapical infections, including when antibiotics are and aren't indicated.
Summarizes current recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures, emphasizing that prophylaxis is generally limited only to patients at highest risk for infective endocarditis.
Patients who state that they are allergic to penicillin often do not have a true allergy and are more likely to receive antibiotics that are NOT recommended as first-line therapy. This tool can help identify patients who may be candidates for penicillin allergy evaluation or de-labeling.
Training & Continuing Education
On-demand sessions and recordings, some offering ADA CERP continuing education credit.
Questions Feedback
Have a question about these resources, or want to get involved with dental stewardship efforts?