Survey of Korean dentists on the awareness on bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws

Abstract

Aim: This survey evaluates the awareness of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws among Korean dentists.

Methods: We prepared a questionnaire based on bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw guidelines, suggested by The American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons. Among 13,405 dentists, we randomly selected 264 (2%) practitioners.

Results: A total of 56.5% of respondents had heard of bisphosphonates as medication related to osteonecrosis, but only 31.4% routinely recorded bisphosphonate medication history. The cross-sectional analysis demonstrated that most dentists were unaware of The American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons' guidelines. Dentists with <5 years' clinical experience were significantly more aware than those with >5 years' experience. Experience with treating osteonecrosis of the jaw patients and recording medication histories were significantly greater in dental hospitals with >300 beds or university hospitals. Awareness of the severity of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws was greatest among oral surgeons.

Conclusion: Dentists should thoroughly check patients' medical histories, including bisphosphonate intake. With the exception of oral surgeons, most Korean dentists were not adequately aware of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and its seriousness, making it a potential risk in Korean dentistry. Therefore, it is important to educate clinicians regarding the potential risk of bisphosphonate medication in dentistry through education programs.

Keywords: awareness; bisphosphonate; bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw; osteonecrosis of the jaw; survey.