Large dental practice cuts antibiotic prescribing by 73%

A large academic dental practice saw a nearly 73% decrease in antibiotic prescribing after implementing a comprehensive antibiotic stewardship program that is thought to be the first of its kind, researchers said.

“Historically, the focus of [antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs)] has been on the inpatient setting, however, the majority of antibiotic use in the United States occurs in the outpatient setting. In the community, 10% of all antibiotics are prescribed by dentists,” Alan E. Gross, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, and colleagues wrote.