Knowledge rate of Dentists Regarding Dental Consideration of Bisphosphonate Drug User Patients

Abstract

Background: Bisphosphonates have been used in the treatment of osteoporosis, hypercalcemia of malignancy, bone metastasis and osteopenia control. Simultaneous use of bisphosphonates with the dental surgical procedures increases the risk of osteonecrosis in the patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge rate of general dentists in Ardabil Province regarding dental considerations in the patients using bisphosphonate. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional trial, 116 general dentists were selected and studied by a questionnaire included demographic items and knowledge about dental considerations among patients using bisphosphonate. The knowledge scores were classified in 3 groups of weak; moderate and good and collected data analyzed by statistical methods in SPSS.19. Results: The mean knowledge of the dentists was 14±3.9. Moderate knowledge was seen among 50.9% of dentists. There wasn’t significant relation between sex and knowledge rate. However, dentists with the ages under 30 years old showed 3 fold more frequency of good knowledge compared to the dentists over 30 years old (p=0.001). Conclusion: Results showed that dentists have proper knowledge regarding dental considerations among the patients using bisphosphonates; Due to the importance of preventions of osteonecrosis risk factors following using bisphosphonates; more instructions are required in this field. Key words: Bisphosphonate, Dental consideration, Knowledge, General dentists