Knowledge Level of Physicians Prescribing Bisphosphonates: Prevention and Treatment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Abstract

Introduction: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an important uncommon complication. Due to its complexity, its prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians and dental clinicians. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of physicians prescribing bisphosphonates in Tehran, Iran, about dental considerations in such patients and the prevention and treatment of MRONJ in 2019. This descriptive, cross-sectional study evaluated 100 physicians (rheumatologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, and orthopedists) practicing in Tehran. A questionnaire comprising a demographic section and knowledge questions regarding dental considerations in patients taking bisphosphonates was administered among the physicians. The frequency of qualitative variables such as gender, type of specialty, and physicians’ responses to each question was calculated, and the knowledge scores were analyzed separately based on the physicians’ specialty types using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test for pairwise comparisons. The effect of different variables on knowledge scores was analyzed by simple regression. Results: The mean knowledge score of physicians was 5.19±1.78 (range 2-8). The mean knowledge score of oncologists was significantly higher than that of endocrinologists (5.88 versus 4.52, P=0.03). No other significant differences were noted. Work experience (P=0.04), age (P=0.02), orthopedics specialty (P=0.05), and oncology specialty (P=0.006) had significant effects on the knowledge score. Conclusion: Considering acquiring about 50% of the total score, physicians seem to have limited knowledge about dental considerations in patients taking bisphosphonates.