An Evidence-Based Update on Antibiotic Use in Dentistry: The When, Where, and How?

Antibiotic use is an important part of modern dental practice, and it is imperative to ensure the optimal and justifiable use of antibiotics to achieve therapeutic goals while minimizing adverse effects and the risk of antibiotic resistance. This comprehensive continuing education lecture is designed to equip dental professionals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about antibiotic use in various clinical scenarios.

Delivered by two periodontists who are also clinician-scientists, this lecture bridges the gap between evidence-based research and clinical practice. With their expertise in both advanced clinical care and academic research, the presenters will provide an in-depth exploration of when, who, and how to prescribe antibiotics effectively in dental practice. The session will cover key topics, including:

Understanding Antibiotic Indications: Learn when antibiotics are truly warranted, focusing on periodontal procedures, dental extractions, implant placement, and infection management.

• Patient-Centered Prescribing: Explore patient-specific factors, such as medical history, comorbidities, and risk of infection, to tailor antibiotic use for optimal outcomes.
   
• Best Practices for Prescribing: Gain practical guidance on selecting the right antibiotics, determining appropriate dosages, and setting treatment durations to maximize efficacy while reducing risks.
   
• Addressing Antibiotic Resistance: Understand the growing global challenge of antibiotic resistance and how to implement strategies for responsible prescribing in your practice.

Throughout the lecture, the presenters will discuss real-world case studies to illustrate complex scenarios and provide actionable takeaways. The interactive format encourages questions and discussions, ensuring that participants leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate these principles into daily practice.

At the conclusion of this course, the participants should be able to:

• Identify Indications for Antibiotic Use: Recognize clinical scenarios where antibiotics are necessary in dentistry, including periodontal procedures, extractions, dental implant placement, and the management of infections.
   
• Understand Antibiotic Mechanisms and Resistance: Explain the principles of antibiotic action, the risks associated with overuse, and strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance in dental practice.
   
• Tailor Antibiotic Prescriptions to Individual Patients: Evaluate patient-specific factors such as medical history, systemic conditions, and allergy profiles to optimize antibiotic therapy for safe and effective outcomes.
• Select Appropriate Antibiotic Regimens: Choose the correct type, dosage, and duration of antibiotic therapy for specific dental procedures and infections based on current evidence-based guidelines.
   
• Incorporate Antibiotic Stewardship into Practice: Develop strategies to minimize unnecessary antibiotic use while ensuring effective management of dental and periodontal infections.
   
• Enhance Collaboration Across Dental Teams: Foster communication and collaboration with hygienists, specialists, and medical professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care.
   
• These objectives are designed to provide participants with a clear framework for effectively integrating responsible antibiotic prescribing into their clinical practice.

Anjali Bhagirath, BDS, MSc,  is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry. She is a Periodontist and Microbiologist with a strong background in research, clinical practice, and teaching.

A well-published author, Dr. Bhagirath's research focuses on oral-systemic interactions and host-pathogen dynamics at mucosal interfaces. Her work explores the impact of the oral microbiome on systemic health, contributing to advancements in periodontal and microbiological research. Dr. Bhagirath is actively involved in clinical periodontics and is passionate about translating scientific discoveries into improved patient care.

Zeeshan Sheikh, Dip.Dh, BDS, MSc, M.Perio, PhD,  FIADFE, FRCDC, Dip-ABP is a Clinical Scientist, Assistant Professor-Tenure track in Periodontics at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Dentistry, an Adjunct Professor at McGill University, and a Status-Only Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. With extensive training as both a dental clinician and a biomaterials scientist, Dr. Sheikh's expertise spans biomaterials research related to bone grafts and regeneration, surgical periodontics, and implantology. He also practices privately in Halifax, Nova Scotia as a periodontal surgeon.