Abstract
Objectives Bisphosphonates (BPs) are used for treatment of various benign and malignant medical
conditions. Medications-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a very serious
complication of prolonged therapy with BPs. This study aimed to assess the level of
knowledge among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding MRONJ.
Materials and Methods This was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire
comprising close-ended questions about BPs and MRONJ was sent to a convenience sample
of dentists in Saudi Arabia.
Statistical Analysis SPSS software was used for data analysis. Chi-square test was
used to compare between the groups. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.
Results A total of 607 dentists participated in this survey. Overall, the respondents showed
insufficient level of knowledge regarding BPORNJ, with only 70% of the respondents
had heard about BPORNJ, and less than 50% recognized the risk factors and clinical
features of the disease. Additionally, while two-thirds of the respondents recognized
the importance of taking BPs history, the majority did not know the correct treatment
approach. Respondents with higher degrees (specialists) showed far better knowledge
than general dentists.
Conclusion The knowledge regarding BPs therapy and its complications among Saudi dentists is
unsatisfactory. Hence, interventions are highly required to improve dentists’ knowledge
regarding BPs and MRONJ.
Keywords
knowledge - bisphosphonates - osteonecrosis - dental practitioners
