COURSE SUMMARY:
Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines have
evolved, and dental hygienists are often on the front line of
implementing these changes. So Your Patient Needs Premed…
Now What? is designed to clarify when and why patients
need antibiotic premedication before dental treatment. This
engaging overview simplifies the latest recommendations for
patients with prosthetic joint replacements and those with specific
cardiac or medical conditions at risk for distant site infections.
You’ll explore real-world scenarios where a clear understanding of
premedication could mean the difference between preventing a
life-threatening infection and causing unnecessary harm.
In this course, we connect the dots between
evolving clinical guidelines and everyday practice. You’ll gain
clarity on conflicting advice (like the age-old “my orthopedic
surgeon said I need antibiotics for life” dilemma) and learn how to
confidently apply up-to-date protocols. Most importantly, you will
discover how essential your role is in safeguarding patient health.
By the end, you’ll feel empowered with the knowledge that you can
protect vulnerable patients, communicate effectively with the
dental/medical team, and ensure that no patient falls through the
cracks when it comes to antibiotic premedication. This is about
more than just following rules – it’s about strengthening your
clinical judgment as a hygienist and literally saving lives through
informed care.
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES: After completing this course, the
dental hygienist will be able to:
-
Identify patients
where antibiotic prophylaxis is often recommended and where it is
truly necessary and beneficial and distinguish them from those who
do not, ensuring each patient receives appropriate, life-protecting
care.
-
Differentiate between
the prophylaxis guidelines for patients with prosthetic joint
implants versus those with cardiac conditions prone to infective
endocarditis, and apply these guidelines confidently in clinical
decision-making.
-
Explain the rationale
behind current antibiotic premedication recommendations, including
how scientific evidence and concerns about antibiotic resistance
have shaped today’s best practices.
-
Recognize the
consequences of mismanaging antibiotic prophylaxis – the dangers of
antibiotic overuse and increasing prevalence of Clostridium
difficile infections – reinforcing the importance of vigilant,
informed choices.
-
Incorporate antibiotic
prophylaxis protocols into daily practice by accurately reviewing
medical histories, verifying the need for premedication, performing
a Clostridium difficile risk assessment, coordinating with dentists
and physicians, and educating patients – highlighting the
hygienist’s critical role in a seamless, team-based approach to
patient safety.
-
Embrace your role as a
patient advocate and oral healthcare professional by staying
current with evolving guidelines and demonstrating leadership in
antibiotic stewardship, thereby elevating the value you bring to
patient care and outcomes in your dental practice.
CREDITS: This
continuing education activity is designated for 2 credits
DURATION: 2 hours
AGD PACE SUBJECT
CODE: 134 Prescription Medication
Management
MODE: Electronically
Mediated | Recorded lecture July 23, 2025 for On Demand
Learning
SPEAKER: Thomas
M. Paumier, DDS (Bio below)
COURSE FEE: $75
USD.
AUDIENCE: Dental
Hygienists
TECHNOLOGY
REQUIRED: Mobile device, laptop or desktop with
internet connection | Google Chrome Browser
INSTRUCTIONS: Dental
CE Academy hosts all webinars using the ClickMeeting platform. Upon
registration and payment you are sent a confirmation email
from no-reply@clickmeeting.com with a
link to join. Be sure to check your spam/junk/promotions
folders.
TRAINING
MANUAL: Distributed via email to all attendees
upon registration
QUIZ FOR CE CREDIT
VERIFICATION: A quiz is completed online, CE credit
verification is sent to attendee's email.
