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Antibiotic Stewardship — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModeratePharmacologyAntibiotic StewardshipNDEB AFK

Which of the following situations represents an appropriate indication for prescribing antibiotics in dentistry?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: EDentoalveolar infection with systemic involvement (fever >38°C, malaise, lymphadenopathy, trismus)

Explanation lettering: C = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · D = shown as E

Antibiotics are indicated for dental infections with systemic involvement (fever >38°C, malaise, lymphadenopathy, trismus, fascial space involvement, immunocompromised patient) or spreading infection. They are NOT indicated for localised abscess (which requires I&D/source control), irreversible pulpitis (which requires endodontic treatment or extraction), or uncomplicated extractions. The CDA supports antibiotic stewardship to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Reference: CDA – Antibiotic Prescribing for Dental Practitioners, 2019; Lockhart PB et al – JADA, 2019