Assessment of Antimicrobial Use and Aseptic Practices Across Dental and Surgical Settings; role of dentist and their assistants, pharmacists, OR staff and sterilisation technician

Abstract

Background:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis that undermines the effectiveness of infection treatment and threatens the safety of healthcare practices. Dental and surgical settings are particularly vulnerable due to their frequent use of invasive procedures and high reliance on antimicrobial agents and aseptic techniques. This review assesses the current state of antimicrobial use and aseptic practices in these environments, with an emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of dentists, dental assistants, pharmacists, operating room (OR) staff, and sterilization technicians.

Objectives:
To evaluate patterns of antimicrobial prescribing, identify gaps in aseptic compliance, and examine how each healthcare professional contributes to or hinders the effectiveness of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship strategies.

Methods:
A comprehensive literature review was conducted, drawing from peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines, and public health data published by institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The analysis focused on antimicrobial use in dental and surgical settings, infection control protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration across healthcare teams.

Findings:
Dentists are among the top community prescribers of antibiotics, yet a significant proportion of prescriptions do not align with evidence-based guidelines. In surgical contexts, antibiotic prophylaxis is often improperly timed or extended beyond recommended durations. Aseptic practices, although standardized, are inconsistently applied due to resource limitations, training deficiencies, and systemic oversights. Dental assistants and OR staff play critical roles in maintaining aseptic integrity, while pharmacists provide essential oversight in antimicrobial selection and monitoring. Sterilization technicians are foundational to ensuring equipment safety but are frequently undertrained and undervalued.

Conclusions:
Antimicrobial misuse and lapses in aseptic technique pose serious risks in both dental and surgical care. Greater emphasis on education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy enforcement is necessary to close the gaps in compliance and enhance patient safety. Effective infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship must be embraced as collective responsibilities by all members of the healthcare team to reduce AMR and improve clinical outcomes.