Impact of antibiotic stewardship on infection rates in oral surgery procedures: a descriptive study

Antibiotic use in oral surgery procedures is common; and inappropriate prescribing may contribute to antibiotic resistance. However, the impact of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) on infection rates in oral surgery settings is not well established. This study explores the effect of implementing an ASP in an oral surgery clinic to reduce infection rates.

A team comprising oral surgeons, pharmacists, and infection control specialists developed and implemented a targeted ASP focusing on patient education, prescribed guidelines, and infection prevention strategies. A retrospective review of patient records was conducted to evaluate infection rates in oral surgery procedures before and after the program's implementation.

Preintervention infection rates for oral surgery procedures were 8.3% (45/540). After the implementation of the ASP, infection rates decreased to 3.7% (15/400), representing a significant reduction (P < .001). Compliance with the revised prescribing guidelines increased, and feedback from oral surgeons and patients was positive.

The implementation of an ASP in an oral surgery setting significantly reduced infection rates. This model, based on evidence-based practices and tailored interventions, can be adapted to other oral surgery practices to enhance patient outcomes and reduce antibiotic overuse.