2018, issue 11

Antibiotics and inappropriate prescribing

Debbie Herbst
Problems with prescribing can leave dental professionals facing a storm of criticism, and these issues - particularly involving antibiotics - are a common factor in complaints and claims.

It is important to have the courage of your convictions to politely but firmly decline inappropriate requests and explain your reason for doing so.

This page was correct at publication on 20/08/2018. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Debbie Herbst
Dento-legal adviser

Debbie Herbst qualified from the Royal Dental Hospital in 1985 and gained further qualifications in public health, and community dental health. She spent 22 years working in salaried dental services, latterly as a senior dental officer in dental public health. She also held roles as trainer/coordinator for child dental health surveys in the Yorkshire region, BDA accredited representative, and clinical representative on the BDA's Central Committee for Community and Public Health Dentistry. She joined the DDU in 2007 and spent five years as a senior dental claims handler before transferring to the dental advisory department in 2013.