Why we must reduce dental prescription of antibiotics: European Union Antibiotic Awareness Day

Key Points 18 November 2008 was the first ever European Union Antibiotic Awareness Day. The impact of the loss of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of human infection cannot be over emphasised. At least one patient a month dies in the UK due to acute dental infection. Public and professional awareness is needed regarding appropriate antibiotic prescribing. The prescription of antibiotics in dentistry is relatively small but nonetheless significant. With the emergence of bacterial species resistant to antibiotics there is a need to become vigilant about their prescription and with this, an urgent requirement for both professional and public understanding of the appropriate use of this life-saving component of treatment.