[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prescribing antibiotics in dental care].

Each use of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the accessibility and treatment policies of dental care worldwide. This study examined the impact of the pandemic on prescribing antibiotics in the dental practice in the Netherlands by means of a retrospective database analysis of an academic dental clinic (2015-2022) combined with an online survey among Dutch dentists (2020). During the pandemic, fewer antibiotics were prescribed in the academic clinic. Most prescriptions concerned amoxicillin, often for implant and periodontal procedures. In general dental practices in the Netherlands, dentists temporarily prescribed more antibiotics in 9% of cases. Although the long-term impact of COVID-19 appears limited, this study stresses the importance of guideline implementation, increased awareness, and crisis preparedness in order to contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance, including during future pandemics.