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Can antibiotic prescribing recover its downward trajectory during 2021?

BDJ In Practice volume 34, pages 12–14 (2021)Cite this article

Susie Sanderson, Past President, British Dental Association and Dentolegal Consultant, Dental Protection and Wendy Thompson, NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Primary Dental Care, University of Manchester

During the year following the first imposed steps to restrict the spread of COVID-19 there has been no shortage of 'experts' on virology, epidemiology and infection prevention and control (IPC) sharing their firm opinions, making decisions on our behalf, updating us on a daily basis and becoming media stars in their own right. At times, it has been perplexing to interpret the information accurately and some only hear either the most appealing reassurances or translate what is offered as cynical manipulation. Clearly the unpredictability of this novel virus underpins the challenge of management. Public safety messaging has, by design and necessity, been repetitious and perhaps tedious and sometimes patronising, giving the impression that not much has changed day by day. Crisis fatigue continues to be a significant risk to compliance with both regulatory and advisory measures while, at the same time, fear of attending perceived hot spots of transmission like dental practices and misinformation about the safety of vaccines is causing disproportionate paralysis for some.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dental Protection, Level 19 The Shard 32 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG, London, UK

    Susie Sanderson

  2. University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

    Wendy Thompson

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  1. Susie Sanderson
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  2. Wendy Thompson
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Correspondence to Susie Sanderson.

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Sanderson, S., Thompson, W. Can antibiotic prescribing recover its downward trajectory during 2021?. BDJ In Pract 34, 12–14 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41404-021-0710-y

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