Alexandria, VA, USA – A symposium aiming to address Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from a transdisciplinary perspective was presented at the 103rd General Session of the IADR, which was held in conjunction with the IADR/Pan European Regional Congress on June 25-28, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing at an alarming rate and is already one of the most urgent global health issues with millions of deaths and significant economic losses every year worldwide. In response, the RESISFORCE initiative — a Norwegian-Indo-Brazilian-Canadian-American consortium — was established to promote research and education on biofilms and antibiotic resistance, working toward long-term solutions to reduce antibiotic use and combat AMR.
To advance these goals, this symposium aimed to address AMR from a transdisciplinary perspective. The first three speakers brought together a diverse team of researchers spanning from microbiology to public health. Findings from an international study on dental education were highlighted, specifically exploring AMR knowledge and antibiotic prescribing practices among dental students—an essential step toward responsible antibiotic use. The perspectives of key stakeholders were explored, including the WHO, Norway’s public health sector, and Brazil’s Chief Dental Office, to discuss practical strategies and the role of dental professionals in addressing AMR including results of recent surveillance efforts. Finally, in alignment with IADR’s values of service and social responsibility, the symposium included a personal testimony from a member of the WHO AMR Survivor Task Force, highlighting the human impact of AMR. This personal perspective underscored the responsibility of oral health professionals in addressing AMR. The symposium integrated policy, research, and patient perspectives, offering attendees a unique opportunity to discuss AMR, explore potential global solutions, and reinforce IADR’s commitment to the scientific community.
Organized by Roger Junges, University of Oslo, Norway and Wendy Thompson, University of Manchester, UK, the Symposium, “Antimicrobial Resistance in Oral Health Care: A Global Call to Action” took place on Wednesday, June 25 at 2 p.m. CEST (UTC+2).
About IADR
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide. IADR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. Learn more www.iadr.org.
