Antimicrobial prescribing

The FGDP(UK) is keen to highlight the ineffectiveness of antimicrobials on oral abscesses and the need for practitioners to ensure that they act responsibly to help slow the global development of antibiotic resistance.

They have collaborated with the Association of Clinical Oral Microbiologists (ACOM) and the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy on a Thunderclap initiative, launched to coincide with European Antibiotic Awareness Day on November 18 2013. The Thunderclap, which harnesses individual’s social media networks to spread messages, asked supporters to pledge that “where a dental infection needs drainage, this is provided before considering the use of antibiotics”. This pledge has reached over 30,000 people.

Nikolaus Palmer, FGDP(UK) board member and editor of the Faculty’s publication Antimicrobial Prescribing for General Dental Practitioners, believes that dental practitioners needs to reflect carefully on their use of antibiotics. He says, “The FGDP(UK)’s evidence-based guidance sets out sensible protocols for dental practitioners when considering the need to prescribe antimicrobials. Those that follow this guidance will already be aware that the majority of uncomplicated dental swellings can be successfully treated by removal of the source of the infection by drainage of the associated abscess. It is vital that dental practitioners recognise their role in helping to reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance.”