Knowledge, attitudes and practices of physicians and dentists on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a cross-sectional survey

Background Bisphosphonate medication can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is an uncommon but serious complication. This survey explores the knowledge, attitudes and practices of dentists and physicians regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians and dentists of Pakistan's secondary and tertiary care hospitals between March and June 2021. Data were collected through a web-based questionnaire distributed among the eligible clinicians involved in prescribing bisphosphonates to patients or management of osteonecrosis. SPSS Statistics 23.0 was used for the data analysis. The frequencies and proportions of the descriptive variables were reported.Results A response rate of 29% was achieved. Only six dentists (n = 6/61; 9.8%) were aware that mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors could lead to osteonecrosis. Only one-third (n = 9/26; 34.6%) of physicians informed their patients about the possible side effects of bisphosphonates. The most commonly identified risk factor among them was the duration of the drug (n = 77/87; 88.5%) and the least identified was gender (n = 34/87; 39.0%).Conclusions Our study revealed insufficient knowledge among the respondents about the recently updated established guidelines available on MRONJ. The majority of physicians don't refer patients to dentists before prescribing bisphosphonates and other associated medications.