Knowledge and Opinions of Saudi Dentists Regarding Dental Treatment of Patients Undergoing Bisphosphonates

Keywords

knowledge - bisphosphonates - osteonecrosis - dental practitioners

Introduction

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are a group of medications used to treat several bone lesions, including, but not limited to, osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, Paget’s disease, multiple myeloma, and bone metastasis.[1] [2] [3] The BPs have great affinity for bone tissues; they inhibit osteoclasts activity and thus reduce bone resorption and disrupt normal bone remodelling.[1] BPs have been implicated in causing osteonecrosis of the jaws, a condition that was later called bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ).[3] [4] The first case of BRONJ was reported in 2003 by Marx,[5] and since then numerous cases have been reported in the literature.[6] [7] [8] [9] [10] BRONJ is a very serious condition that negatively impacts quality of life, producing a significant morbidity.[3] [4] [11] It is characterized by an area of exposed bone that presents for more than 8 weeks with no history radiotherapy.[11] As BRONJ cases can be associated with other antiresorptive medications (such as denosumab) and antiangiogenic therapies, the American Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) in 2014 changed the nomenclature to medications-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).[4] Although the exact etiopathogenesis of MRONJ is not fully elucidated, several risk factors have been suggested, including duration of BP therapy, route of BPs administration (e.g., the risk is significantly greater with intravenous BPs), dentoalveolar surgery, age of the patient, systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, and corticosteroid use, among others.[3] [4] [12] Dentists can play a pivotal role in prevention of BRONJ/MRONJ through providing preventive care and prioritization of preventive treatment before the commencement of BPs.[3] [9] [13] [14] Hence, dentists and physicians must have adequate knowledge on BPs, its potential complications, and the appropriate treatment planning in patients at risk of MRONJ.[14]

The AAOMS published guidelines on staging and treatment strategies for patients receiving BPs.[3] [4] The main purpose of these guidelines was to provide the clinicians a base knowledge on BPs, clinical features and risk factors of MRONJ/BRONJ, and most importantly, how to prevent and treat MRONJ/BRONJ. Unfortunately, despite these guidelines, several studies have shown very poor knowledge of dentists regarding treatment patients undergoing BPs therapy.[2] [13] [14] [15] [16] Dentists can play a pivotal role in prevention of MRONJ in patients receiving BPs therapy. In Saudi Arabia, no information exists about the dentists’ knowledge concerning BP therapy. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the level of knowledge and opinions of dentists working in Saudi Arabia regarding dental treatment of patients receiving BP therapy.

Materials and Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based structured questionnaire among dental professionals working in Saudi Arabia. The study was approved by the research and ethics committee, Al-Farabi colleges, Riyadh, and complied with the declared ethical principles of the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (2002). A link of structured questionnaire was sent to a convenience sample of dental practitioners through emails or WhatsApp groups, and a cover letter explaining the purpose of the study and identified the research team was also included. The survey was sent to potential participants during November 2018 and February 2019. The sample size was calculated considering 95% confidence level, absolute precision of 5%, and an expected level of knowledge of 50%. The estimated sample size was 380.

The self-administered questionnaire was adapted from previously validated questionnaires that had been used in similar studies.[13] [14] [15] [16] To ensure clarity and understandability, the questionnaire was pilot tested on 30 dentists. The questionnaire consisted of two main parts. The first part sought demographic and professional data including age, gender, graduation year, years of experience, specialization (general dentist or specialist), and type of working sector (public, private, and academic). The second section comprised close-ended questions that assessed dentist’s knowledge about BPs and MRONJ: the general knowledge about MRONJ, commercial names and therapeutic indications of BP, risk factors and clinical features of MRONJ, and knowledge regarding treatment guidelines for patients taking intravenous or oral BPs (Appendix A).

Statistical Analysis

IBM SPSS Version 21.0. software for Windows (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) was used for data management and analysis. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were calculated. Chi-square test was used to compare between groups. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Out of the targeted 1,000 dentists, 607 completed the survey, giving a response rate of 60.7% (607/1,000). Most of the respondents were males (66.4%), less than 40 years old (84.2%), and had less than 5 years of clinical experience (56.8%). Around half of the respondents (50.2%) were general practitioners and 49.8% were specialists ([Table 1]).

Table 1 General characteristics of the participants

	N	%
Age
< 30 y	298	49.1
30–39 y	219	36.1
≥ 40 y	90	14.8
Gender
Male	403	66.4
Female	204	33.6
Graduation
1–5 y	308	50.7
6–10 y	157	25.9
> 10 y	142	23.4
Experience
1–5 y	345	56.8
6–10 y	147	24.2
> 10 y	115	18.9
Specialty
General practitioner	305	50.2
Specialists	302	48.2
Work
Academic sector	113	18.6
Both public/private sectors	70	11.5
Private sector	210	34.6
Public sector	214	35.3

[Table 2] presents results of the general knowledge about MRONJ and BP therapeutics. Around 71% of the respondents were familiar with the term MRONJ, with no significant differences according to gender, qualifications, or years since graduation. Unfortunately, only one-third of the respondents reported to be familiar with the disease staging and treatment guidelines suggested by AAOMS, with a significant difference according to the qualification in favor of specialists (p < 0.01).

Table 2 General knowledge about BRONJ and indications/types of BP (% of Yes answers)

	Total	Gender			Specialty			Years since graduation
		M	F	p-Value	GP	Specialist	p-Value	1–5 years	6–10 years	> 10 Years	p-Value
Abbreviations: BP, bisphosphonate; BRONJ, bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw; F, female; GP, general practitioner; M, male. **”Yes” is the correct answer for all items.
General knowledge
Familiar with BRONJ	71	73.2	66.7	0.107	63.9	78.1	0.000	69.5	71.3	73.9	0.621
Familiar with staging and guidelines by AAOMS	36.4	37.5	34.3	0.476	26.2	46.7	0.000	30.8	45.2	38.7	0.008
Uses of BP**
Bone metastases	52.2	51.9	52.9	0.758	46.6	57.9	0.019	49.7	53.5	56.3	0.436
Multiple myeloma	35.3	34.5	36.8	0.367	29.5	41.1	0.001	31.2	37.6	41.5	0.241
Hypercalcemia of malignancy	33.4	33.3	33.8	0.907	28.9	38.1	0.033	28.6	38.9	38.0	0.127
Osteopenia and Osteoporosis	57.5	57.6	57.4	0.996	48.9	66.2	0.000	54.5	59.2	62.0	0.221
Paget’s disease of bone	45.8	44.4	48.5	0.579	40.0	51.7	0.002	42.9	47.8	50.0	0.414
Types of BP**
Alendronate (Fosamax)	35.1	36.5	32.4	0.584	23.9	46.4	0.000	28.2	38.9	45.8	0.000
Risendronate (Actonel)	23.4	25.8	18.6	0.122	17.7	29.1	0.003	16.6	29.9	31.0	0.001
Ibandronate (Boniva)	24.5	27.0	19.6	0.057	20.3	28.8	0.012	20.1	29.9	28.2	0.058
Zolendronate (Zometa)	30.3	33.5	24.0	0.034	21.0	39.7	0.000	23.7	36.9	37.3	0.001

With regards to BP indications, the correct answers ranged between 33.4% and 57.5%, with significant higher knowledge among specialists (average knowledge: 51%) compared with general practitioners. Regarding commercial names of BPs, only one-third of the respondents were familiar with these medications, with significant better knowledge among specialist and those with long clinical experience. The total specialist knowledge is 36% ([Table 2]). Around half of the respondents (49%) gained the information about MRONJ from dental school/residency program and 10% from the internet ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Source of information regarding MRONJ.

[Table 3] presents dentists’ knowledge regarding risk factors and clinical features of MRONJ. Regarding risk factors for MRONJ, the correct answers ranged from 30.5 to 67.1%. The most identified risk factors were type of BP therapy (67.1%), dentoalveolar surgery (55.4%), age of the patient (51.6%), and route of drug administration (51.7%). Similarly, the dentists’ knowledge regarding clinical features of the disease was very low, ranging from 38.9% to 64.9%. Specialist showed significantly better knowledge regarding the risk factors of MRONJ than general practitioners (p < 0.01). Additionally, specialists showed better knowledge regarding the clinical features of the disease, but with no significant differences except in one item. However, no significant association was observed between level of knowledge and gender and years since graduation.

Table 3 Knowledge regarding risk factors and clinical features of MRONJ (% of correct answers [Yes answers])

Items	Total	Gender			Specialty			Years since graduation
		M	F	p-Value	GP	Specialist	p-Value	1–5 y	6–10 y	> 10 y	p-Value
Abbreviations: BP, bisphosphonate; F, female; GP, general practitioner; M, male. Note: “Yes” is the correct answer for all questions.
Risk factors
Type of BP therapy	67.1	66.7	67.6	0.722	61.0	73.2	0.001	64.6	68.8	70.4	0.683
Route of administration	51.7	53.6	48.0	0.399	40.3	63.2	0.000	46.8	55.4	58.5	0.103
Age of the patient	51.6	51.4	52.0	0.906	49.2	54.0	0.026	52.6	51.6	49.3	0.884
Gender	30.5	29.5	32.4	0.576	31.1	29.8	0.199	32.1	24.2	33.8	0.394
Tobacco use	40.4	38.7	43.6	0.425	42.0	38.7	0.444	39.3	36.9	46.5	0.366
Diabetes mellitus	47.8	47.4	48.5	0.904	45.2	50.3	0.001	44.8	50.3	51.4	0.392
Use of steroid	48.8	48.9	48.5	0.852	43.3	54.3	0.002	42.9	53.5	56.3	0.018
Type of Bisphosphonate	47.1	49.1	43.1	0.232	40.0	54.3	0.000	43.5	49.7	52.1	0.333
Genetic factors	33.9	33.0	35.8	0.674	29.5	38.4	0.068	30.8	37.6	36.6	0.096
Denture wearing	32.5	32.3	32.8	0.191	29.2	35.8	0.029	26.0	40.1	38.0	0.005
Dentoalveolar surgery	55.4	56.8	52.5	0.296	46.2	64.6	0.000	51.6	56.7	62.0	0.174
Local anatomical factors	47.4	46.9	48.5	0.293	39.0	56.0	0.000	44.2	49.7	52.1	0.355
Presence of oral disease	49.8	48.6	52.0	0.233	46.2	53.3	0.004	46.8	53.5	52.1	0.262
Clinical features
Pain	61.9	59.6	66.7	0.083	62.0	61.9	0.442	61.7	63.1	63.1	0.213
Purulent discharge	47.0	47.4	46.1	0.088	42.6	51.3	0.087	41.6	53.5	51.4	0.067
Exposed bone	64.9	63.5	67.6	0.563	61.0	68.9	0.100	63.6	66.2	66.2	0.765
Fistula	38.9	39.0	38.7	0.812	34.4	43.4	0.077	34.1	43.9	43.7	0.149
Paraesthesia	45.0	45.4	44.1	0.741	40.3	49.7	0.024	41.9	47.1	49.3	0.564
Pathologic fracture	57.2	59.1	53.4	0.176	52.5	61.9	0.059	56.2	57.3	59.2	0.895

[Table 4] presents dentists’ responses to questions regarding dental treatment strategies in patients receiving BPs. Around two-thirds of the respondents believe that taking BPs history is important for all patients, and that all patients should be checked by a dentist before commencement of BP therapy. However, the majority did not have sufficient knowledge regarding the appropriate treatment strategies for patients undergoing BPs therapy, with only 25.7 to 51% knew the correct treatment strategy for each scenario. Generally, specialist showed significantly better knowledge in all items than general practitioners.

Table 4 Knowledge regarding dental therapy/preventive strategies in patients undergoing BP treatment (% of the correct answer)

	Total	Specialty			Years since graduation
		GP	Specialist	P-Value	1–5 years	6–10 years	> 10 years	P-Value
Abbreviations: BP, bisphosphonate; F, female; GP, general practitioner; M, male.
Taking BP history is important? (correct answer: Yes)		63.0	77.8	0.000	68.2	68.8	76.8	0.348
Patients to be checked by a dentist before BP treatment? (correct answer: Yes)	71.7	63.6	79.8	0.000	68.5	75.2	74.6	0.451
Invasive dental treatment during IV BP therapy? (correct answer: No)	51.6	43.6	59.6	0.000	49	53.5	54.9	0.393
Dental treatment in patients with oral BP therapy for < 4 years without risk factors? (correct answer: Yes)	40.5	30.5	50.7	0.000	32.1	43.3	55.6	0.000
Invasive dental treatment during oral BP therapy for < 4 years with risk factors? (correct answer: No)	34.6	29.5	39.7	0.000	34.7	35	33.8	0.137
Invasive dental treatment during oral BP therapy for more than 4 years? (correct answer: No)	25.7	20.3	31.1	0.001	24.7	24.2	29.6	0.053

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that assessed MRONJ knowledge among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Overall, the results revealed a very alarming lack of knowledge on MRONJ among the surveyed dentists, with a significant better knowledge among respondents with higher degrees (specialists) compared with general practitioners. However, the results of the present study should be interpreted with caution given the methodological shortcomings explained at the end of this section.

The main result of the present study was the evident poor level of knowledge about MRONJ and BPs, with only 70% of dentists have heard about the disease, less than half of the respondents knew about the risk factors and clinical features of MRONJ, and the majority could not recognize the commercial names of BPs. Our findings are in line with most of previous similar studies in different countries, which reported very poor knowledge on MRONJ and BPs among dentists.[2] [13] [14] [15] [16] This can be attributed to the insufficient exposure of dentists to these topics during undergraduate and postgraduate education.[17] Additionally, lack of periodic continuing educational courses such as attending workshops and seminars is another contributing factor.

MRONJ adversely affects the quality of life, producing significant morbidity in afflicted patients. Therefore, dentists should have adequate knowledge about MRONJ, especially regarding the appropriate treatment strategies in patients undergoing BPs therapy. Luckily, the AAOMS have set very clear guidelines regarding MRONJ staging and treatment strategies of patients at risk of this debilitating disease. However, despite the existence of these guidelines, several studies have shown that majority of dentists were not aware as how to carry out invasive treatments (such as tooth extraction) in patients undergoing BPs therapy.[2] [13] [16] Our results are not exception as most of dentists in the present study showed very poor knowledge in this regard. While two-thirds of respondents acknowledged the importance of taking BP history, the majority were not aware of the treatment strategies of patients at risk of MRONJ. For example, only 20% of dentists knew that no invasive dental treatment should be done in patients receiving IV BP. These results are indeed a reason for concern and necessitate an immediate action to improve dentists’ awareness about MRONJ and the importance of following the established guidelines for treatment of people at the risk MRONJ. Conducting periodic continuing education courses and workshops related to MRONJ is the answer to address this evident gap in the knowledge about MRONJ and to implement these guidelines.

The other important finding was the noticeable better knowledge among specialists compared with general practitioners. These results are not surprising as specialists had better exposure to the topic during postgraduate studies, which may explain their better knowledge. Additionally, specialists usually are more interested in attending conferences and scientific activities. However, despite that, the knowledge of specialists in our study is still below average, and hence more work should be done to promote their knowledge regarding diagnosis and prevention of MRONJ.

As stated above, this is the first survey that assessed dentists’ knowledge concerning MRONJ in Saudi Arabia. However, the survey has some limitations that should be acknowledged. First, low response rate is an obvious limitation of the study. Second, this study used a convenience sample of dentists and, thus, generalization of the results is limited. Third, this is a self-reported survey and thus the responses might not have reflected the real knowledge of dentists. However, despite these limitations, we believe that this study has shed some light and provided valuable baseline information on the level of MRONJ knowledge among dental professionals nationwide.

In summary, this study, similar to previous studies in other countries, revealed very poor knowledge of MRONJ among dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia. Such alarming results necessitate an immediate action to improve dentists’ awareness and knowledge about MRONJ treatment and prevention. Periodic continuing courses about how treat and prevent MRONJ in patients receiving BPs therapy are highly recommended.

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