Sir,- I am writing in response to the article by Seymour et al. about the need for antibiotic prophylaxis for dental patients with joint prostheses (British Dental Journal 2003; 194: 649–653). On behalf of the BDA Formulary Committee, I welcome this useful article, which helps to inform the long-standing debate on this subject.

The Formulary Committee is currently having discussions with the British Orthopaedic Association in order to revise the guidance on antibiotic prophylaxis to both dentists and orthopaedic surgeons in the light of current evidence and knowledge.