Knowledge and attitudes of Brazilian dental students and dentists regarding bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Brazilian dentists (DEN) and dental students (DS) about bisphosphonates (BP) and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ).

METHODS:

A convenience sample of 104 DEN and 100 DS was randomly selected and invited to answer a questionnaire. The questionnaire was structured on the basis of the main information about BP and the risk factors associated with the development of BRONJ. The data obtained were analyzed by the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, considering significance of 5%.

RESULTS:

Seventy-five (72.1%) DEN and 75 (75%) DS did not know the BP cited in the questionnaire (p < 0.0001), and their commercial brand names were not recognized by 88 (84.6%) DEN and 86 (86%) DS (p < 0.0001). In the same way, 62 (59.6%) DEN (p = 0.04) and 58 (58%) DS (p < 0.0001) did not recognize BRONJ as an oral side effect of BP or point out oral conditions that were not associated with the use of BP.

CONCLUSIONS:

Practical initiatives, such as free lectures and workshops, must be taken to broaden the knowledge of DEN and DS about BP and thus contribute to the prevention of BRONJ.

• Authors: Paula Baptistella de Lima, Veruska Lima Moura Brasil, Jurema Freire Lisboa de Castro, Flávia Maria de Moraes Ramos-Perez, Fábio Abreu Alves, Maria Luiza dos Anjos Pontual, Danyel Elias da Cruz Perez
• Journal: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (Support Care Cancer) Vol. 23 Issue 12 Pg. 3421-6 (Dec 2015) ISSN: 1433-7339 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 25757408 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Diphosphonates

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Attitude of Health Personnel
• Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (therapy)
• Brazil (epidemiology)
• Clinical Competence (statistics & numerical data)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Dentists (statistics & numerical data)
• Diphosphonates (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Risk Factors
• Students, Dental (psychology, statistics & numerical data)
• Young Adult