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Antimicrobial Stewardship Concern — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateBehavioural Sciences & EthicsAntimicrobial Stewardship ConcernORE Part 1

A dental student observes that their clinical supervisor repeatedly prescribes antibiotics for patients with localised dental abscesses without attempting or arranging drainage and without signs of spreading or systemic infection. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Raise the concern promptly with the supervisor, then use the local escalation route if it is not addressed

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · C = shown as B · A = shown as C

A is correct. SDCEP advises drainage of an acute apical abscess where possible and states that antibiotics are not indicated for a localised abscess without spreading infection, systemic features or an appropriate immunocompromised-patient indication. This repeated practice therefore creates a patient-safety and antimicrobial-stewardship concern. Under GDC Principle 8, concerns must be raised promptly and, where possible, first with the employer or manager. For a student, raising it with the clinical supervisor is appropriate; if it is not addressed, the student should use the local route, such as an educational supervisor or practice manager. B and C wrongly prioritise hierarchy over patient safety. D bypasses proportionate local escalation; direct GDC referral is reserved for situations in which local action is impractical, has failed, or the concern is sufficiently serious. E is unprofessional and does not protect patients through proper governance.

Reference: General Dental Council. Standards for the Dental Team, Principle 8: Raise concerns if patients are at risk, especially standards 8.1.1 and 8.2.1–8.2.5. Current web guidance. https://standards.gdc-uk.org/pages/principle8/principle8