Per the notice below, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has issued a study identifying how to guide antibiotic prescribing by dentists.

Researchers Identify Targets To Guide Antibiotic Prescribing by Dentists

An AHRQ-funded study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry identified key facilitators and barriers influencing dentists’ antibiotic prescribing behaviors and found that dentists need improved access to antibiotic prescribing guidelines and additional support in uncertain dental scenarios.  A series of interviews conducted with dentists from the U.S. National Dental Practice-Based Research Network explored patient and practice factors perceived to affect antibiotic prescribing.  Researchers found many areas for potential intervention to support appropriate and cautious dental antibiotic prescribing, with key broad targets that include increasing visibility and accessibility to current guidelines, providing new guidance to cover unique scenarios, and facilitating better communication with patients and other healthcare providers.  Access the abstract.