Less is More: Rewriting Dental Antibiotic Use
Speaker:
Dr. Debra Goff, PharD, FIDSA, FCCP
CE Credits:
About the Course
Antibiotic prescribing in dentistry is at a turning point. This dynamic program delivers five evidence-based antibiotic practices that dentists can immediately implement to elevate patient safety, reduce liability, and lead in antibiotic stewardship. You’ll explore the latest dental literature challenging outdated norms—like prolonged antibiotic courses, clindamycin for penicillin allergic patients, and the “finish the course”—and learn how to confidently shift toward shorter, safer, effective regimens. The session will also discuss the guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) on dental antibiotic prophylaxis for joint implant patients and the new ADA living evidence-informed guideline on antibiotic prophylaxis for dental implant placement.
Dentists, hygienists, assistants, and staff are uniquely positioned to curb antibiotic overuse. Every antibiotic prescription impacts the oral and gut microbiome, antibiotic resistance, patient outcomes, and your professional reputation. This course empowers dental professionals to make smarter, safer antibiotic choices and collaborate across specialties to improve patient care.
Why This Matters to You
Antibiotic overuse is common—and dentistry plays a critical role.
You can be a leader in dental antibiotic stewardship, not just a prescriber.
Outdated antibiotic prescribing habits can compromise patient safety and increase medico-legal risks.
Educational Objectives
Discontinue the use of clindamycin and quinolones for penicillin-allergic patients.
Discuss the new ADA evidence-informed antibiotic guidance for antibiotics.
Summarize how to apply the AAOS guidelines on prophylaxis for joint implant patients.
Describe the impact of antibiotics on the human oral and gut microbiomes.
Champion antibiotic stewardship across the dental team and practice collaborative care with medical colleagues.
Your Instructor:
Dr. Debra Goff, PharD, FIDSA, FCCP
Dr. Debbie Goff is an internationally recognized Infectious Diseases clinical pharmacist with 38 years of experience at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She is one of twenty-five global health experts selected by the World Health Organization to implement antibiotic stewardship programs in low- and middle-income countries. Her groundbreaking collaborations with private practice and academic dentists, orthopedic surgeons, and the CDC have shaped national conversations on dental antibiotic use.
Dr. Goff’s work includes the first of two U.S. studies assessing antibiotic prescribing in private dental practices. She is an invited speaker for the FDI World Dental Federation, numerous dental study clubs, Pikos Institute, Midwest Implant Institute, state dental societies, several US and five South Africa dental schools. She is the first infectious diseases clinical pharmacist to be part of the Seattle Study Clubs Signature Speakers. With over 160 publications and numerous grants, she brings unmatched expertise and passion to transforming dental antibiotic practices.
Conflict of Interest:
None reported
The TDA is an ADA CERP provider(May 2024 – June 2028)
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ada.org/cerp.
TENNESSEE DENTAL ASSOCIATION
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by
any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
4/1/2026 to 3/31/2029.
Provider ID# 219273