Teledentistry as a Supportive Tool for Dentists in Diagnosing MRONJ in Northern Cyprus.

Mohammad Alam,Kaan Orhan,Mujgan Firincioglulari

doi:10.1155/2021/5657152

Abstract

Objective This web-based survey, as a tool of teledentistry, is aimed at assessing the level of knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding MRONJ among dental professionals in Northern Cyprus. Methods An online self-administered questionnaire about MRONJ was sent to all dentists in Northern Cyprus through Google Forms. The first part of the questionnaire consists of demographic and professional information, and the second part included questions about knowledge and awareness questions about MRONJ. The SPSS software was used for statistical data analysis. A Chi-square test was performed to compare between the groups. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results A total of 112 dentists participated in this survey. The participants showed an insufficient level of knowledge regarding MRONJ, as only 56.6% of the participants stated that they had general knowledge about MRONJ. Regarding the practical questions of the survey, the participants showed poor knowledge about implant and tooth extraction procedures while a patient is using antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs, particularly the usage of oral antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs for less than 3 years. Participants showed adequate knowledge in terms of usage area of medications and administration of them. Conclusion Teledentistry can be used as a supportive tool for dentists in diagnosing MRONJ. Similar to previous studies, the knowledge and awareness of MRONJ of dentists in Northern Cyprus were found to be inadequate. There is a significant need to provide more professional information as part of undergraduate programs so that the next generation of dentists can practice more confidently.

Highlights

Teledentistry is the use of health information about health technology and telecommunications for oral healthcare, education, consultation, and public knowledge to improve oral health [1]
A questionnaire link was sent to a total of 160 dentists in Northern Cyprus, out of which 112 dentists responded. 64% of the participants were female, and 36% were male
Teledentistry can be used as a supportive tool for dentists in diagnosing Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)

Summary

Introduction

Teledentistry is the use of health information about health technology and telecommunications for oral healthcare, education, consultation, and public knowledge to improve oral health [1]. Teledentistry is the remote facilitating of oral care, education, and guidance as a substitute to direct face-to-face contact with any patient or colleague. Teledentistry has been validated to be useful for a remote dental screening, providing consultation, making the diagnosis. Teledentistry is found to be comparable to real-time guidance in rural areas with limited access to facilities and long-term healthcare facilities. It makes use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), especially of the Internet, to transfer clinical information [2, 3].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion