Recent updates to NICE and SDCEP guidance have been described as a landmark change in infective endocarditis (IE) prevention. 

To help dental professionals understand what has changed and what it means in practice, Professor Martin Thornhill, Emeritus Professor of Translational Research in Dentistry at the University of Sheffield, will present on ‘Important change in the infective endocarditis prevention guidance’ at Dentistry Show London on the 9th October at 2.15pm at the Clinical Excellence Theatre.  

Ahead of his session, he shares why these changes matter and what every dental team needs to know. 

Why is infective endocarditis such an important issue for dentistry? 

Infective endocarditis is a life-threatening infection of the heart valves, with around 30% of patients dying within a year. Around 35–45% of cases are caused by bacteria originating in the mouth, meaning dental professionals have a vital role in helping to prevent it. 

For patients at increased risk, maintaining good oral health and using antibiotic prophylaxis where appropriate can significantly reduce the risk of infection. 

What has changed in the guidance? 

The biggest change is that NICE now directs clinicians to SDCEP's implementation advice for patients at high risk of infective endocarditis. 

The updated SDCEP guidance recommends antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk patients undergoing extractions and oral surgery, and says it should also be considered for other invasive dental procedures involving manipulation of the gums or the tissues around the teeth. 

What does this mean for dental professionals in practice? 

Dental teams need to identify patients who are at increased risk of infective endocarditis before carrying out invasive procedures. They should discuss the risks and benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis, support patients in making informed decisions, reinforce the importance of excellent oral hygiene and ensure patients understand the signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis following treatment. 

What will delegates take away from your session? 

These are the most significant changes to UK infective endocarditis prevention guidance in many years. I'll explain the evidence behind the updates, what has changed in practice and how dental teams can confidently implement the new recommendations. 

Register for free now to join Professor Martin Thornhill this October.