Evaluation of awareness and knowledge about medication-related osteonecrosis of jaws among interns and postgraduates: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Osteonecrosis is a common terminology used nowadays associated with severe trauma. Osteonecrosis also known as avascular necrosis occurs due to diminished blood supply, depriving bone tissue of essential nutrients, and oxygen leading to death of bone cells in a circumscribed region. Medication-related osteonecrosis of jaws (MRONJs) are a recent concept and correspond to necrosis of bones particularly jaw bones due to use of certain medications without any prior exposure to radiation. Several medications tend to alter the bone remodeling process, affecting the diseased bone resorption, and leading to poor oral health maintenance. Adequate documentation and awareness about this condition can help to prevent the condition. This study aims to evaluate the existing knowledge that prevails about pathogenesis, staging, and treatment modalities currently available about the condition among interns and postgraduates. An online questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was carried out among interns and postgraduates of VSPM’s Dental College and Research Center. General characteristics, knowledge about medications responsible, pathogenesis, risk factors, staging, treatment protocols, and drug holiday were recorded that the responses were compiled and statistically analyzed. A total of 125 participants participated in the survey. About 72.8% of participants had heard about this condition earlier, whereas 8.8% were unaware of this terminology. About 27.2% people had no idea about the drug holiday concept. Furthermore, significant difference existed between designation and responses. The results suggest that a significant difference exists between awareness about MRONJ among interns and postgraduates. Postgraduate students currently pursuing their degree were more aware and had significant knowledge about the clinical entity and more inclined toward further upgrading their knowledge about the same rather than interns.