Superbugs and the Dentist: An Update

From Volume 33, Issue 4, May 2006 | Pages 198-208

Authors

Michael P Dawson

BDS, MFDS

Specialist Registrar in Oral Microbiology, Infection Research Group, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, UK

Articles by Michael P Dawson

Andrew J Smith

PhD, FDS RCS, MRCPath, ACIST

Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Microbiology, Infection Research Group, Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, UK

Articles by Andrew J Smith

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of three of the most commonly encountered ‘superbugs’, with a comment on the implications of each for the dental practitioner. The origins of antibiotic resistant micro-organisms lie in the acquisition of resistance genes and selection pressures, with their spread facilitated by inappropriate prescribing and inadequate infection control. Dentists should attempt to rationalize their antibiotic prescribing and ensure that they and other dental staff adhere to standard infection control procedures.

Article