Minnesota Dental Association Releases Antibiotic Resistance and Stewardship Fact Sheet for Minnesota's Dental Professionals

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Board of Dentistry has released a fact sheet to help dentists improve how they use antibiotics. The development of the fact sheet is part of a broader effort to promote "Antibiotic Stewardship" and is a response to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and negative consequences of antibiotic use.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that each year in the U.S., two million people develop infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria and 23,000 die from associated causes. The major driver of antibiotic resistance is our widespread antibiotic use. An essential part of modern medical care, antibiotics are used routinely to prevent and treat bacterial disease. However, the effectiveness of these important drugs is declining, as more bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. Dentists prescribe approximately 10% of all antibiotics in U.S. outpatient settings.

In 2016, Minnesota released its One Health Minnesota Antibiotic Stewardship Strategic Plan. Stewardship interventions have been proven to improve individual patient outcomes, reduce the burden of antibiotic resistance, and save health care dollars. As part of the initiative, the state has partnered with the MDA and Board of Dentistry to support dentists in better understanding their opportunity to be part of the solution to this issue.

The MDA and its more than 3,000 members have made this issue a priority and are taking proactive measures to improve practices. This includes a commitment to demonstrate dedication to and accountability for optimizing antibiotic prescribing and patient safety. Dentists are urged to implement new policies to ensure they are following best practices.

"As dentists we know that dental care is in fact health care," said, Dr. R. David Resch, president of the Minnesota Dental Association. "I am proud that the MDA is taking responsibility for advocating for both dentists and the public when it comes to this issue."

The MDA encourages dentists and patients alike to be proactive when it comes to educating themselves on antibiotics. By using One Health-oriented communication, Minnesota's public and professionals will have the awareness needed to think innovatively and responsibly about approaches to optimizing antibiotic use.

For more information, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/onehealthabx.

About the Minnesota Dental Association

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. You can learn more at www.mndental.org. The Minnesota Dental Association is a part of the American Dental Association, the nation's largest dental association, representing 158,000 dentist members.

SOURCE Minnesota Dental Association