Awareness of Bisphosphonate Use and Its Dental Complications among the Dental Practitioners

Objectives: To assess the awareness, among dental practi­ tioners, of the use of bisphosphonates (BP) and its compli­ cations related to dental extractions as well as to outline protocol for its prevention and management. Materials and methods: A cross­sectional descriptive study was carried out in department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, MGM Dental College and Hospital, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, in December 2013. Data collection was carried out by a self­ administered questionnaire distributed among interns, post­ graduate students and staff members at the hospital. Results: Total of 159 people were included in to the study. Out of which 95 were interns, 25 were postgraduate students and 39 were staff members. Four out of 39 staff members, six postgraduate students out of 25 and 18 out of 99 interns were unaware of trade name of drug alendronate as Fosamax. Eight staff out of 39, six postgraduate students of 25 and 23 interns out of 95 were unaware of term BRONJ. Thirty­three out of 39 staff, 20 out of 25 postgraduate student and 81 out of 95 interns were aware of clinical use of BP. Thirty­eight out of 39 staff, 23 out of 25 postgraduate student and 93 out of 95 interns were familiar with BP. Fourteen out of 39 staff, three out of 25 postgraduate students and 25 out of 95 interns were aware of guidelines on treating patients on BP. Thirty­seven out of 39 staff, four out of 25 postgraduate students and 21 out of 95 interns have asked patients about past history of BP use. Conclusion: There is a lack of complete awareness about BP use, its dental complications and prevention and treat­ ment strategies for BP­related osteoradionecrosis of jaws. Bisphosphonates and its related dental complications and management should be included in the undergraduate dental curriculum.