New WHO book tackles antibiotic resistance in oral and dental infections

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As concerns continue to grow over the rise of antibiotic resistance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new publication aimed at providing healthcare professionals with evidence-based guidance on the use of antibiotics.

Released during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week in November 2022, the WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotic book aims to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance in primary healthcare and hospital settings.

Dentist’s role to address growing antibiotic resistance problem

According to the WHO, antibiotic resistance is a growing problem that could result in 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Dentists play a crucial role in addressing this issue, as they are responsible for issuing around 10% of antibiotic prescriptions. The WHO’s new publication includes a chapter specifically focused on oral and dental infections, which drew input from the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Working Group of FDI (World Dental Federation).

Dr Wendy Thompson, the leader of the AMR Working Group, worked with the WHO to provide feedback and input on the chapter, ensuring that it was coherent with the other chapters in the publication.

FDI commends WHO

The working group’s suggestions were taken into consideration in the final publication, including the inclusion of guidance on which dental conditions and infections are appropriate for antibiotic treatment. Additionally, two articles written by FDI experts were cited in the WHO’s publication.

The FDI commends the WHO for highlighting the importance of antibiotic resistance and is ready to support further efforts to tackle this issue. Health professionals worldwide are encouraged to share this publication as widely as possible to counter antibiotic resistance and ensure a healthy future for all.