Understanding and reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions by dentists
Official title: Informatics Approaches to Understand and Reduce Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing by Dentists
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10892267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some dentists prescribe antibiotics when they might not be needed, which can cause health problems, and it aims to find better ways to help dentists follow the right guidelines so that patients like you can receive safer and more effective dental care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $632,160 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032368-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892267 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients undergoing dental procedures who may be at risk of complications from unnecessary antibiotic use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require dental procedures or those who are not prescribed antibiotics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics by dentists, which can lead to serious health issues like antibiotic resistance and allergic reactions. By utilizing informatics approaches, the project aims to identify the reasons behind these prescribing behaviors and develop strategies to improve adherence to established guidelines. The ultimate goal is to create a national Learning Health System that promotes evidence-based dental practices and enhances patient care. Patients may benefit from improved dental treatment protocols that minimize unnecessary antibiotic use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer dental practices and reduced risk of adverse reactions for patients receiving dental care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improving antibiotic stewardship in healthcare settings can lead to better patient outcomes, indicating potential success for similar approaches in dentistry.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walji, Muhammad — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Walji, Muhammad
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.