Perception of Jaw Osteonecrosis among Medical Specialists Perception of Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws among Iraqi Medical Specialists

Objective Osteonecrosis of the jaws is the adverse effect of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic agents, which is termed as medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ). This complication, which is prominent and growing, is seen in the oral and maxillofacial region. This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate MRONJ awareness among Iraqi medical specialists. Materials and Methods A questionnaire-based survey was performed on medical specialists practicing general surgery, urology, orthopedics, rheumatology, and oncology. The questionnaire consisted of four questions regarding drug prescription, patients’ preparation before drug administration, in addition to awareness and knowledge about MRONJ. Results Among 132 specialists, 57% did not prescribe such drugs. A significant difference existed among groups regarding dental referral, and MRONJ awareness and knowledge. The highest rates were seen in the oncologist group. Conclusions Improvement of MRONJ perception and knowledge among medical specialists, besides implementation of dental referral, are essential in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of MRONJ

Across-sectional survey on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws' knowledge and awareness in a sample of dental society

Background Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a prominent complication and growing problem related to the oral and maxillofacial region due to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic agents. Awareness about MRONJ is crucial for all dental practitioners identify ‘at risk’ patients for appropriate advice and management. This cross-sectional survey aimed to appraise MRONJ awareness and knowledge among dentists. Materials and methods A questionnaire-based survey was carried out through one hundred and seventy eight dentist who recruited in three groups; the first group comprised 113 general dental practitioners (GDP), 33 dental radiologist (DR) included in the second, and 32 oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) in the third group. MRONJ awareness was evaluated by asking all respondents a question of “Did you heard about MRONJ? In addition, the detailed knowledge on the subject in question were addressed through fourteen, nine, and three questions for OMSs, DRs, and GDPs respectively. Results A significant difference were existed among groups with a rate of MRONJ's awareness of 33.6%, 48.5%, and 84.4% for GDPs, DRs, and OMSs respectively. Concerning MRONJ knowledge, significantly highest rates seen in OMSs set with 48.55%. In contrast, the average scores of DRs were 30.64%, and the GDPs group recorded the least value with 16.67%. Conclusions Strengthen the MRONJ awareness and knowledge among general dentists and dental specialists are essential to identify ‘at risk’ patients for appropriate advice and management