Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses one of the greatest threats to global health today. Without decisive and sustained action, the effectiveness of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents will continue to decline, putting countless lives at risk and threatening the gains made in modern medicine, including oral healthcare.

This year’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), taking place under the theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” builds on the momentum of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on AMR. It calls on governments, professionals, and communities to translate political commitments into tangible, accountable, life-saving interventions.

To truly protect our present and secure our future, long-term investment and coordinated action are needed across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. This includes:

• Strengthening AMR surveillance systems;
• Ensuring equitable access to quality medicines and diagnostics;
• Fostering innovation; and
• Building resilient, sustainable health systems.

FDI embraces the One Health approach promoted by the WHO and WAAW, recognizing that AMR cannot be addressed in isolation. The dental profession plays a critical role in both preventing infections and ensuring the responsible use of antibiotics.

Explore FDI’s Preventing AMR and infections project resources

FDI supports dentists and dental teams worldwide with practical tools and evidence-based guidance to tackle AMR and prevent infections.
Discover all the resources on the FDI Preventing AMR and infections project page, including:

• A white paper presenting a framework to guide dental teams in developing effective strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance within their practices.
• The AMR pledge: a global call for dental professionals to commit to responsible antibiotic use and champion stewardship in their communities.
• A MOOC on tackling antibiotic resistance, which is a free interactive online course designed to strengthen knowledge and skills in infection prevention and control.
• International Consensus on a Dental Antibiotic Stewardship Core Outcome Set: a key reference document promoting consistency in measuring and evaluating stewardship initiatives in dentistry.

Together, these resources equip the dental profession to play a leading role in protecting patients, preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics, and advancing global health security.

Upcoming WHPA webinar on AMR and NCDs

As antimicrobial resistance increases, so does the threat to millions of people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) who are at higher risk of infection.

Recognizing the strong links between AMR and NCDs, the World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA), of which FDI is a founding member, will host an interprofessional webinar exploring how health professionals can collaborate to tackle these twin challenges.

The webinar will bring together expert speakers to:

• Reflect on the outcomes of the UN High-level Meetings on AMR and NCDs;
• Examine what these commitments mean for frontline health professionals;
• Highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration to ensure continuity of care across primary, hospital, and community settings;
• Address workforce challenges and global inequities affecting AMR and NCD responses; and

Discuss how public health messaging can evolve to empower professionals and communities alike.

Learn more about the webinar

This conversation underscores that collaboration between professions is not optional; it is essential to strengthen health systems and protect patients worldwide.

Join the movement

FDI invites all dental professionals to act now to tackle AMR by staying informed, engaging in interprofessional collaboration, and taking the AMR pledge. Together, we can protect our present and secure a healthier future for all.