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NHS dentistry and oral health update

By DTA | 1st December 2022 | News

This month the NHS dentistry and oral health update highlights several key topics for discussion and review.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten the future of societal and planetary health. Both World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW, 18-24 November) and the European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD, 18 November) serve as a poignant reminder to reflect on what we can all do to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

The latest data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that the estimated total number of serious antibiotic resistant infections in England rose by 2.2% in 2021 compared to 2020. This is the equivalent of 148 severe antibiotic resistant infections a day in 2021.

NHS England has published this letter, addressed to all dental practices, for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, containing actions that both systems and healthcare professionals can take to improve infection prevention, diagnosis, and treatment across primary, community and secondary care.

The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant infections. Poor diagnostic and prescribing practices along with patients not following their treatment also contribute. We would like to refer colleagues back to last year's November edition of the NHS dentistry and oral health update bulletin for a wealth of tools and resources for tackling AMR and promoting good antimicrobial stewardship.

Jason Wong, Deputy Chief Dental Officer England and Ali Sparke, Director for Dentistry, Community Pharmacy and Optometry

Read the full NHS bulletin.

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