In a landmark step towards combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), researchers from the UK and India have joined forces to reduce the overprescription of antibiotics by dental practitioners. The University of Leeds, in collaboration with Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER) in Chennai, has launched a pilot community engagement initiative targeting dentists—a key but often overlooked contributor to the AMR crisis.
PhD researcher Dr Aarthi Bhuvaraghan, who has clinical experience in both countries, led the study by equipping local dentists with a desk guide and a continuing professional development (CPD) module. The results showed improved awareness and willingness among practitioners to revise their prescribing habits.
“Many dentists are unaware of the harm caused by routine antibiotic prescriptions,” said Dr Bhuvaraghan. “But through education, we’re seeing positive change.”
Her supervisor, Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Leeds and Visiting Professor at BIHER, said the programme is now ready to be expanded to other regions. “This partnership is not only changing local practices but has the potential to shape global policies on antibiotic use in dentistry,” he said.
Plans are underway to integrate antimicrobial stewardship into dental curricula and make the CPD module available on the Indian Dental Association’s website. The collaboration has also attracted international attention, with leaders from the University of Leeds and Indian institutions promoting further partnerships at the recent International Health and Research Conference held at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.