Odontogenic Infections: Management in Ambulatory Care Settings for Nurse Practitioners

Dental insurance and access to care need substantial improvement in the United States, given their current inadequacies that contribute to suboptimal oral and physical health outcomes and escalate national health care expenditures. The disparities in access to dental care exacerbate oral health disparities across socioeconomic lines. With their broad reach and comprehensive approach to health care, nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in enhancing oral health outcomes. They can effectively integrate preventive measures and early intervention strategies for conditions such as odontogenic infections, thereby reducing emergency department visits and improving overall patient health. This clinical feature critically examines evidence-based practices for the presentation, diagnosis, and management of odontogenic infections within primary care settings. Disseminating this knowledge aims to empower nurse practitioners to deliver timely and effective care, ultimately fostering more significant equity and accessibility in dental health services nationwide. •Describing common odontogenic infections and their clinical presentation provides insight into their typical signs and symptoms to aid in early detection.•Guidelines for accurately assessing and diagnosing odontogenic infections are essential for ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.•Approaches to treating common odontogenic infections outline effective therapeutic methods to manage and cure these conditions.•Additionally, considerations for preventing and recurrence of odontogenic infections emphasize proactive steps to avoid initial and recurrent disease.