Medical History Mysteries: Clindamycin and dental prophylaxis—what's changed, and why?

Nov. 16, 2022

The topic of antibiotic prophylaxis is always important, sometimes confusing, and always evolving. Drs. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz and Tom Viola discuss the latest info you need to know.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

It's been over a year since the American Heart Association recommended that clinicians stop using clindamycin as the first choice for antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry, but there's still a lot of confusion. Get ready to dive into this mystery!

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.