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:  $95 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. 

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 OF SPEAKER: This webinar receives educational support from The Dental Antibiotic Stewardship Program. Dr. Thomas M. Paumier is the Founder and Director of The Dental Antibiotic Stewardship Program.

​DENTAL CE ACADEMY DISCLAIMER: 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 or its parent company, Virtual Dontics®. 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 upon the speaker's own clinical 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 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.