November 18, 2025 – Ottawa, ON: The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is proud to participate in World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, taking place November 18–24. This global campaign aims to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance—a growing threat to public health worldwide.
This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” highlights the urgent need for bold, coordinated action to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics. The CDA remains committed to promoting safe and appropriate antimicrobial use within the dental profession and beyond.
“AMR poses a serious threat to everyone, and it’s up to all of us to take action to reduce it,” says Dr. Bruce Ward, CDA President. “By acting together, the dental profession can have a significant impact in prevent antimicrobial resistance.”
The CDA reminds both dentists and patients that antibiotics should only be used when truly necessary—not as a precaution. When your dentist prescribes antibiotics, it is because they are essential for your care.
Antibiotics can save lives—but only when used correctly. Since not all bugs need drugs, misuse and overuse contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder to treat. Patients can help by following these simple steps:
- Use antibiotics only when prescribed and as directed by your dentist.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed.
- Never share your antibiotics.
- Ask your dentist or pharmacist if you have questions about your medication.
Supported by CDA, Choosing Wisely Canada developed a toolkit called ‘Taking the Bite Out of Tooth Pain’ to help dentists determine when antibiotics are appropriate—and when dental treatment or pain relief alone is sufficient. Choosing Wisely Canada also partnered with the Canadian Association of Hospital Dentists to highlight a list of procedures that may offer little or no benefit to patient care—helping reduce unnecessary interventions and promote high-value, evidence-based dentistry.
About the Canadian Dental Association
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is a trusted national voice for dentists and leader working to improve the oral health of all people living in Canada. We promote oral health, support our members, and advance the dental profession. Founded in 1902, CDA has no regulatory role and is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization whose corporate members are Canada’s provincial and territorial dental associations (PTDAs). We represent over 21,000 practising dentists nationwide and are a trusted brand and source of information about oral health and the dental profession on national and international issues.
Media Contacts:
Jeff D’Andrea
Media Relations Specialist
Canadian Dental Association
613-614-4798
media@cda-adc.ca
