A Closer Look at the AHA’s Antibiotic Prophylaxis Guidelines
By Dora-Ann Oddo, RDH, MA
In May 2021, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated its antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis (IE).1 As some dental and dental hygiene procedures may increase the risk of this potentially life-threatening infection in at-risk patients, oral health professionals must have a thorough understanding of this serious, albeit rare infection of the heart and understand appropriate precautions for treatment. This article focuses on the AHA’s guidelines; however, oral health professionals should also consider the IE guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopædic Surgeons.
* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
Read Article
Responses