About this course
Free course - no card required
Learn about your essential role as a DCP in driving and supporting responsible antibiotic prescribing practices. From patient and colleague education, emphasis on preventive care, and participation in antibiotic stewardship programs, DCPs have a significant role in ensuring the proper use of these life-saving drugs.
This free course is relevant to dental nurses, therapists, hygienists, oral health educators, managers and other DCPs..
CPD Time: 1 hour 30 minutes(1.5 CPD Credits)
Customer feedback on this course
- Very well written and balanced
- Very useful and have learned many new things which I am not aware of previously
- Great course, really will help me.
- Really increased understanding and it helped me to correct my thoughts and belief about antibiotics.
Assessment: 12 MCQs. Pass mark 75%. more…
On passing the assessment you will immediately receive a GDC-recognised Enhanced CPD Certificate.
Aim:
To enhance the understanding and knowledge of dental care professionals regarding antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal prescribing practices in dentistry.
Course objective:
• Participants will become well-acquainted with the principles of antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal prescribing in the dental context, ensuring that they can provide informed care, assist in patient education, and support dentists in the decision-making process.
Anticipated learning outcomes:
The learner will:
• Recognise the differences between antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, and their common indications in dentistry.
• Understand the reasons for and the importance of antimicrobial stewardship.
• Appreciate the risks associated with inappropriate prescribing, including resistance, and side effects.
• Assist the dental team in making informed decisions regarding the necessity and type of antimicrobial prescription by understanding the current guidelines and best practices.
• Effectively communicate to patients the importance of correct antimicrobial use, and the risks of misuse.
GDC Development Outcomes:
C
Learning content:
Antibiotic Prescribing for DCPs | Antimicrobial Agents | Antimicrobial Stewardship (1) | Antimicrobial Stewardship (2) | Prescribing Principles | Antibiotic Guidelines in Practice | Antivirals and Antifungals | Prophylaxis | Resistance and Side Effects | Communication and Education | Course Completion
View full course description
Antibiotic Prescribing for DCPs
Course Description
Antibiotic Prescribing for DCPs
This course educates dental care professionals (DCPs) on their role in promoting responsible antibiotic prescribing practices. It covers essential concepts like patient education, antimicrobial stewardship, and the appropriate use of antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals in dental practice.
Antimicrobial Agents
An introduction to the types of antimicrobial agents used in dentistry, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. This section explains their mechanisms, uses in treating dental infections, and the importance of judicious prescribing to combat resistance.
Antimicrobial Stewardship (1)
This section looks at antimicrobial stewardship, emphasising the responsibility of DCPs to ensure antibiotics are used appropriately. It covers the global health threat posed by antibiotic resistance and the role DCPs play in supporting responsible antibiotic use.
Antimicrobial Stewardship (2)
DCPs can take an active role in preventing infections and promoting stewardship through education, monitoring, and feedback. This section provides strategies for DCPs to engage in audits and collaborate with dental teams to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Prescribing Principles
Covers the fundamental principles of antibiotic prescribing in dentistry, focusing on when antibiotics are necessary, how to choose the right one, and why it is essential to follow dosage guidelines. It highlights the importance of stopping antibiotics once symptoms resolve.
Antibiotic Guidelines in Practice
DCPs can play a key role in ensuring that antibiotic prescribing aligns with current guidelines. This section discusses how DCPs can support their practice in adhering to these guidelines and contribute to better antimicrobial practices in dental care.
Antivirals and Antifungals
A look at the use of antivirals and antifungals in treating oral infections like herpes and candidosis. This section explains how these medications work, their common uses in dental care, and the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Prophylaxis
Focuses on the use of antibiotics for preventing infections after dental procedures, discussing when prophylaxis is truly necessary and the potential harms of overprescribing. It also covers the latest guidance on prophylaxis for infective endocarditis.
Resistance and Side Effects
Discusses the consequences of antibiotic misuse, including resistance, side effects, and environmental damage. DCPs learn how to educate patients about these risks and monitor for adverse reactions during treatment.
Communication and Education
DCPs play a very important role in patient communication, ensuring that patients understand why antibiotics are prescribed, how to take them properly, and the importance of adherence. This section offers strategies for effective communication and ongoing education.
Course Completion
Participants will provide feedback, take a multiple-choice exam, and receive a CPD certificate. The course emphasises the importance of continuing education on antimicrobial prescribing and the role of DCPs in promoting responsible antibiotic use.
You can copy and adapt this example PDP entry for your own needs and circumstances. The format complies with GDC guidance on PDP structure.
| PDP Learning or Maintenance need |
| Antimicrobial prescribing |
| How does this relate to my field of practice? |
| My job is patient facing |
| Which development outcome(s) does it link to? |
| C |
| What benefit will this have to my work? |
| Peform tasks that are part of my daily work |
| How will I meet this learning or maintenance need? |
| Take the Verified Learning course on Antimicrobial Prescribing. |
| When will I complete this by? |
Note: After copying and adapting the suggested PDP entry, remember to reflect, plan, act, and evaluate for every CPD activity you undertake.