A peer reviewed article by Ashlan J. Kunz Coyne, PharmD, MPH, Elaine M. Bailey, PharmD, and Erinne Kennedy, DMD, MPH, MMSc
Although almost 10% of the US population reports an allergy to penicillin (PCN), most of these patients are not truly allergic. There are well-defined harms associated with unverified PCN allergies including ineffective treatment, overtreatment, and more broad-spectrum treatment that results in antibiotic resistance and adverse effects including Clostridioides difficile infection. For these reasons, the health-care community should screen and evaluate PCN allergies to ensure that patients receive first-line antibiotics whenever possible. The dental office provides an opportunity to practice PCN allergy stewardship, with the goal of increasing the proportion of patients receiving first-line antibiotic therapy. Tools to support the involvement of the dental team in assisting patients to navigate the reassessment of their allergy labels will be demonstrated.
Educational objectives
At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the potential consequences of prescribing second-line antibiotic therapies in patients who report a penicillin allergy
- Describe clinical scenarios in which a patient may be mislabeled as being allergic to penicillin
- Determine how to implement chairside tools designed to identify patients who may benefit from a reassessment of their penicillin allergy
- Communicate to the patient the process for penicillin allergy reassessment, including removal of the penicillin allergy label from their medical/dental record(s)
Image credit: Doucefleur / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Quick Access Code: 22451
Course Content
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
CE credit(s): 3
Course Type: Written
Published Date: May 2026
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is $39.00 for 3 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2024 to 10/31/2028.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 750
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHEBM (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code: AADHEBM-397-5-2026-3
