Of late the spotlight is again on the emergence antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotics have been widely used in dentistry both for therapeutic and prophylactic reasons. I personally feel that their use is rampant in the developing countries than developed economies but many disagree with me. What are your views on this topic along with the practice followed in your country and if any policy on Antibiotic prescribing practice by dentists exists in your country?
Antibiotics are necessary for us in dentistry, especially after tooth extraction, making a filling, or for treating gingivitis.
In Bangladesh, we use posters and leaflets almost in every hospital and private dental clinic. However, improvement of the antibiotic resistance among the general populace, i.e. fight against antibiotic resistance, has not yet been measured.
Antibiotic use and the potential for resistance should be instilled in young dentists from the beginning. ie in Dental school. There is always the instinct by newly qualified practitioners to 'prophylactically' prescribe antibiotics after common dental procedures. This is obviously not needed in most cases but instead a good and well enforced post-op instruction protocol will almost always prevent any clinical misshapen.