TITLE:  Dentistry and The Post Antibiotic Age - Superbugs, Resistance and What it Means for Your Patients

COURSE SUMMARY: Antibiotics transformed modern medicine, but their effectiveness is eroding at an alarming pace. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now recognized by the World Health Organization and the CDC as one of the most serious global public health threats, with drug-resistant infections contributing to more than a million deaths worldwide each year. Dentistry has a direct stake in this crisis: dentists write roughly one in ten outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in the United States, and a significant share of those prescriptions, particularly for prophylaxis and dental pain, are not supported by current guidelines.

This evidence-based webinar examines how resistance develops, which superbugs pose the greatest risk to patients, and how the oral cavity can serve as both a reservoir and a gateway for resistant organisms. Participants will receive access to the latest resources to review current recommendations from the ADA, AAOSH and the American Heart Association on antibiotic use for dental pain, swelling, and prophylaxis, and will explore the real-world consequences of overprescribing, including Clostridioides difficile infection,  adverse drug reactions, and disruption of the microbiome. The session closes with practical, chairside strategies for antimicrobial stewardship, patient communication, and  non-antibiotic alternatives that help clinicians deliver safe, effective care in a post-antibiotic era.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

• Explain the biological mechanisms by which bacteria develop and spread antimicrobial resistance, and identify the priority resistant pathogens most relevant to dental and systemic health.

• Describe the role of dental prescribing in the broader antimicrobial resistance crisis, including common patterns of inappropriate or unnecessary antibiotic use.

• Know where and how to access the latest ADA, AAOSH and AHA evidence-based guidelines to determine when antibiotics are and are not indicated for dental pain, infection, and prophylaxis in patients with cardiac conditions or prosthetic joints.

• Recognize the patient health consequences of antibiotic overuse, including C. difficile infection, allergic and adverse reactions, and disruption of the oral and gut microbiome.

• Implement antimicrobial stewardship strategies in clinical practice, including definitive dental treatment as first-line therapy, appropriate drug selection and duration, and effective communication with patients who expect antibiotics.

COURSE FEE:  Complimentary Access

CREDITS: This continuing education activity is designated for 1 credit

DURATION: 1 Hour

AGD PACE SUBJECT CODE: 134 Prescription Medication Management, 013 Microbiology

MODE: Electronically Mediated | Live Interactive Webinar

SPEAKER: Dr. Kirsten Roling, DDS  (Bio below). Chief Education Officer. C. difficile survivor.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT: None

AUDIENCE: Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Dental Assistants

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 you are sent a confirmation email from no-reply@clickeeting.com with a link to join. Be sure to check your spam/junk/promotions folders. We recommend logging in 15 minutes early in the event you require assistance. 

HANDOUTS:  Distributed via email to all attendees 1 hour prior to start, during and after the webinar. 

QUIZ FOR CE CREDIT VERIFICATION: At the conclusion of the webinar, attendees will be redirected to complete a quiz for CE credit. An 80% minimum passing score is required, multiple attempts are permitted, and attendees have 7 days to successfully complete the quiz for CE credit.

DISCLOSURE OF SPEAKER AND FACULTY COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIPS:  According to Dental CE Academy's Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Policy, faculty and speakers for any course are expected to disclose any economic support, personal interests, or potential bias that may be perceived as creating a conflict related to the material being presented. Disclosure statements are printed in each course description and announced by moderators or individual speakers at the beginning of each presentation. This policy is intended to alert the audience to any potential bias or conflict so that participants may form their own judgments about the material being presented.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: This course receives no educational sponsorship. The speaker, Dr. Kirsten Roling is the Chief Education Officer and employee of Dental CE Academy. No corporate entity has contributed or influenced the content for this course.  For written documentation contact support@dentalcenow.com.

DENTAL CE ACADEMY DISCLOSURE: The views expressed and opinions and materials presented during these live and recorded presentations represent the personal views and opinions of the individual speaker and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Dental CE Academy.  Dental CE Academy assumes no responsibility for the content of the presentations made by the individual speakers. Any suggested protocols for treatment, materials, or services may be based up on the speakers' own clinican experience and should not be construed as Dental CE Academy recommended or endorsed. Selected presentations may include exploratory research or experimental procedures and are intended for informational purposes that may lead to new interest and scientific breakthroughs in the fields of dentistry.  Dental CE Academy appreciates its educators who share their knowledge and expertise. This level of dedication to dentistry allows our profession to expand and thrive and provokes necessary discussion and understanding.