1. Why stewardship is a dental job

This series

Dentists are among the NHS’s higher antibiotic-prescribing groups. Every unnecessary course is a small step toward infections that no longer respond. This dedicated series is two 1-hour modules (2 hours). This is module 1. GDC Development Outcomes A, C and D.

Suggested study time

• Resistance, harm and professional duty — 18 min
• When infection needs drugs versus local treatment — 20 min
• The desk, pain, and “just in case” — 17 min
• Knowledge check — 5 min

What stewardship is

Using the right drug, dose and duration — and not using a drug when local treatment will do. It is not withholding care. Patients in pain still need examination, drainage where indicated, and analgesia advice.

Harm is not theoretical

Antibiotics cause allergy, gut upset, and, rarely, serious colitis. They also select resistant organisms in the patient’s mouth and bowel, and in the community. “A short course can’t hurt” is how stewardship fails.

GDC and guidelines

Prescribing is a clinical act under GDC Standards: you must work within your knowledge, keep records, and put the patient’s interests first. Follow current UK dental antimicrobial guidance (professional guidelines plus the BNF) — tables change. This course teaches principles, not a photocopy of a 2016 poster.

Infective endocarditis

NICE does not recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures to prevent infective endocarditis. A small group of people at higher residual risk need an individual discussion. Do not run a blanket “everyone with a murmur gets amoxicillin” protocol from memory.