ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE LEVEL OF DENTAL SURGEONS ABOUT BISPHOSPHONATES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ORAL CAVITY

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> The dentist must be informed about the development of oral bisphosphonates complications and what clinical course to follow according to the individual treatment. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and conduct of dentists about bisphosphonates and their effects on the oral cavity. <h3>Study Design</h3> The sample consisted of 60 dentists specialized in surgery (<i>n</i> = 20), implantology (<i>n</i> = 20), and periodontics (<i>n</i> = 20) who answered a structured questionnaire validated by Albuquerque (2014) with 12 questions on personal subjects, anamnesis, and knowledge on bisphosphonates such as their indications, adverse effects, and treatments. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 60 dentists were interviewed; 88.3% have seen patients who report the use of bisphosphonates, and 33.3% have previously knowledge of its oral complications. <h3>Conclusions</h3> A considerable number of dentists were aware of the existence of bisphosphonates and only a small sample knew about their complications and treatment modalities.