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Knowledge level of physicians prescribing bisphosphonates: prevention and treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
  • tahereh padeghaneh,
  • nima dehghani,
  • xaniar mahmoudi
tahereh padeghaneh

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nima dehghani
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xaniar mahmoudi
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Abstract

Rationale, aims and objectives: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is an important uncommon complication. Due to its complexity, its prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians and dental clinicians. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of physicians prescribing bisphosphonates in Tehran about dental considerations in such patients and prevention and treatment of BRONJ in 2019. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study evaluated 100 physicians (rheumatologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, and orthopedists) practicing in Tehran. A questionnaire comprising of a demographic section, and knowledge questions regarding dental considerations in patients taking bisphosphonates was administered among the physicians. The frequency of qualitative variables such as gender, type of specialty, and physicians’ responses to each question was calculated, and the knowledge scores were analyzed separately based on the type of specialty of physicians using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s test for pairwise comparisons. The effect of different variables on knowledge score was analyzed by simple regression. Results: The mean knowledge score of physicians was 5.19±1.78 (range 2-8). The mean knowledge score of oncologists was significantly higher than that of endocrinologists (5.88 versus 4.52, P=0.03). No other significant differences were noted. Work experience (P=0.04), age (P=0.02), orthopedics specialty (P=0.05) and oncology specialty (P=0.006) had significant effects on the knowledge score. Type of practice (P=0.75), gender (P=0.32), and rheumatology specialty (P=0.07) had no significant effect on the knowledge score. Conclusion: Considering acquiring about 50% of the total score, physicians seem to have limited knowledge about dental considerations in patients taking bisphosphonates. Attempts must be made to enhance their knowledge by the continuing education programs or revising the curricula.