Antibacterial drug resistance and its impact on dentistry.

The continuing emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria is a global health problem. Multi-drug resistance is now widespread. Resistance rates differ noticeably on a worldwide, regional and even institutional basis. Because antibiotics are commonly used in dentistry, the dental community is not spared from this threat of microbial resistance to antibiotics. This article presents an overview of antimicrobial drug resistance, discusses how this large and expensive problem affects the dental community and what we can do to change the situation, both as concerned citizens and as dental practitioners.