The impact of COVID-19 national restrictions on dental antibiotic dispensing trends and treatment activity in England: January 2016 to July 2021.

Dental antibiotic prescribing significantly increased with the national COVID-19 restrictions when service delivery was altered with the closure of dental practices and introduction of remote consultations. Teledentistry was likely associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Continued antimicrobial stewardship and prudent use of antibiotics in dentistry is important.