Dentists ‘need to take the lead on combating antibiotic resistance’

The new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on antibiotic prescribing has prompted a fresh call for dentists to take the lead on this important issue.

Following NICE's recommendations for a crackdown on inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in the NHS, the British Dental Association has urged patients and policymakers alike to help dentists rise to the challenge presented by antimicrobial resistance.

With the World Health Organization having also identified antimicrobial resistance as a serious threat to public health worldwide, the BDA set out a blueprint for action in May, and is now working with national leaders and international experts to combat the risks.

Dr Graham Stokes, chair of the BDA Health and Science Committee, said that the current lack of a contract that provides adequate time for dentists to treat emergency cases is a key barrier holding back further progress in this area.

He said: "The simple message is we can't go on as we are, and the dental profession is stepping up and taking a lead."