Adverse Events of Antimicrobials: A Deeper Dive into C. diff and Other Superbugs, Penicillin Allergies, and Other Adverse Events (On-Demand)

Clostridioides Difficile infections occur most often in people who have taken antibiotics for other conditions. CDC estimates that in the US, C. diff causes 462,100 cases, and $1B in healthcare costs per year– although some studies suggest these statistics to be much higher. This session will delve deeper into C. diff infections, including the pathogenesis, epidemiology, impact on quality of life, and treatment of this potentially life-threatening and recurrent infection. Patients with a penicillin allergy have been noted to receive second-line and broad-spectrum antibiotics, associated with increased antibiotic resistance and surgical site infections. Therefore, the CDC recommends that before prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics to a patient thought to be penicillin-allergic, healthcare providers evaluate the patient for true penicillin allergy (IgE-mediated). Methods and tools to help support the referral of appropriate patients for additional allergy evaluation will be discussed. In addition, C. diff experts and participants will discuss penicillin allergies and other adverse events related to antibiotic prescribing.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss epidemiology, pathogenesis, impact on quality of life, and treatment of C. diff infections
2. Describe steps to reduce C. diff related to antibiotic prescribing in dentistry
3. Discuss why penicillin-allergy de-labeling is an important stewardship measure
4. Identify opportunities for the dental office to contribute to the de-labeling of patients with penicillin allergies
5. Describe other adverse events related to antibiotic use and misuse

Steps to Complete Course:

1. Click on On-Demand Recording below and watch the video
2. Complete the Assessment (requires a passing score of 70%)
3. Complete the Evaluation 
   • Once you complete the Evaluation, you can find your CE Certificate under MY ACCOUNT > MY CERTIFICATES