Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Dentistry
A Dentist's Crash Course in
Navigating the Latest Clinical Guidelines
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COURSE SUMMARY: Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) continues to be one of the most debated—and misunderstood—aspects of clinical dentistry. With rapidly evolving guidelines from the ADA, AHA, AAOS, AAHKS, and other specialty societies, dentists face increasing pressure to make evidence-based decisions while balancing patient expectations, medical recommendations, and medicolegal considerations. This highly focused crash course distills the latest science, guidelines, and controversies surrounding antibiotic prophylaxis for prosthetic joint patients, infective endocarditis risk groups, immunocompromised populations, and other medically complex cases. Drawing from the most current research—including recent large-scale studies and 2024–2025 updates—this course clarifies when AP is appropriate, when it is not, and why unnecessary prescriptions can expose patients to significant harms such as C. difficile infection, antimicrobial resistance, allergic reactions, and drug-related complications. Designed specifically for practicing dentists, this course equips clinicians with the knowledge to confidently evaluate risk, standardize decision-making, communicate effectively with patients and physicians, and reduce variability within the dental team. Attendees will leave with a clear, defensible, and evidence-based framework for AP decision-making that emphasizes patient safety, good oral health, and professional autonomy.
LOOKING FOR AN OPIOID CE WEBINAR? Dental Pain Management - Responsible Opioid Prescribing is available On Demand presented by Dr. Thomas Paumier.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completing this course, the dentist will be able to:
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Interpret and Apply the Most Current AP Guidelines
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Evaluate Patient-Specific Risk for Infective Endocarditis and Prosthetic Joint Infection
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Reduce Unnecessary Antibiotic Prescribing and Understand Its Consequences
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Develop Defensible, Evidence-Based Clinical Protocols
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Communicate Effectively with Patients and Physicians
CREDITS: This continuing education activity is designated for 2 credits
DURATION: 2 hours
AGD PACE SUBJECT CODE: 134 Prescription Medication Management
MODE: Electronically Mediated | On Demand (Recorded Lecture)
SPEAKER: Thomas M. Paumier, DDS (Bio below)
COURSE FEE: $115 USD
AUDIENCE: Dentists, Dental Educators, Dental Students
TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: Mobile device, laptop or desktop with internet connection | Google Chrome Browser
INSTRUCTIONS: Dental CE Academy hosts all webinars using the ClickMeeting platform. Upon registration and payment you are sent a confirmation email from no-reply@clickmeeting.com with a link to join. Be sure to check your spam/junk/promotions folders.
For questions: Phone 888-964-3976 (Hours M-F 9-5 pm PT) or email support@dentalcenow.com
HANDOUT: Distributed via email to all attendees upon registration
QUIZ FOR CE CREDIT VERIFICATION: A quiz is completed online, CE credit verification is sent to attendee's email.
Dr. Thomas M. Paumier, DDS
A Leading Expert on Dental Antibiotic Prescribing
American Dental Association President Elect 2026
Dr. Thomas M. Paumier, DDS, serves as the President-Elect of the American Dental Association and brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to continuing education for dental professionals. A cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Dr. Paumier holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and completed a General Practice Residency (GPR) at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Since 1988, he has provided outstanding care in private practice in Canton, Ohio, and has been a dedicated educator on the faculty of the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital GPR. As Chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital Board, Dr. Paumier’s influence extends deeply into clinical education and leadership.
Dr. Paumier has been instrumental in establishing clinical standards that shape antibiotic practices in dentistry. He served on the expert panels for the ADA and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, co-authoring critical Clinical Practice Guidelines for Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Prosthetic Joint Patients. His role as co-author of the ADA’s Clinical Practice Guideline for Antibiotic Use in Endodontic Infections underscores his commitment to safe, evidence-based patient care. Honored with the ADA’s 2019 Evidence-Based Dentistry Clinical Practice Award, Dr. Paumier continues to drive forward-thinking practices in dentistry.
Dr. Paumier’s dynamic lectures resonate with both dental students and experienced professionals alike. A frequent speaker at Case School of Dental Medicine and a past president of the Ohio Dental Association, Dr. Paumier is passionate about empowering dentists with cutting-edge knowledge, ensuring each course delivers value and practical insights for clinical excellence.
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DISCLOSURE OF SPEAKER AND FACULTY COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIPS: According to Dental CE Academy's Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Policy, faculty and speakers for any course are expected to disclose any economic support, personal interests, or potential bias that may be perceived as creating a conflict related to the material being presented. Disclosure statements are printed in each course description and announced by moderators or individual speakers at the beginning of each presentation. This policy is intended to alert the audience to any potential bias or conflict so that participants may form their own judgments about the material being presented.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE OF SPEAKER: This webinar is supported by The Dental Antibiotic Stewardship Program. Dr. Thomas M. Paumier is the Founder and Director of the Dental Antibiotic Stewardship Program.
DENTAL CE ACADEMY DISCLAIMER: The views expressed and opinions and materials presented during these live and recorded presentations represent the personal views and opinions of the individual speaker and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Dental CE Academy or its parent company, Virtual Dontics®. Dental CE Academy assumes no responsibility for the content of the presentations made by the individual speakers. Any suggested protocols for treatment, materials, or services may be based upon the speaker's own clinical experience and should not be construed as Dental CE Academy recommended or endorsed. Selected presentations may include exploratory research or experimental procedures and are intended for informational purposes that may lead to interest and scientific breakthroughs in the fields of dentistry. Dental CE Academy appreciates its educators who share their knowledge and expertise. This level of dedication to dentistry allows our profession to expand and thrive and provokes necessary discussion and understanding.