Awareness of the risk of developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw among bisphosphonate users

OBJECTIVE: In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated awareness among patients using bisphosphonates (BPs) regarding the risk of developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and whether they received appropriate dental screening and treatment prior to commencing medication. METHODS: Patients using BPs who attended the endodontics clinic at Jordan University Hospital in 2019 were interviewed using a pre-designed questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests. RESULTS: In total, 110 patients were interviewed (84 women, 26 men; age 40–78 years). A total of 94 patients were using oral BP and 16 received intravenous (IV) BP. We found that only 12.4% of participants were aware about the risk of MRONJ following BP use, and only one third of them has received information from their prescribing physicians. In total, 5% of participants were referred to a dentist for screening prior to initiating BP treatment. Patients receiving IV BP and those with a university-level education had better awareness about the risk of MRONJ than oral BP users and those with a high school education level. CONCLUSION: Patients’ awareness about MRONJ risk was low in our population. Better patient education and collaboration among physicians and dentists are needed prior to starting BP treatment.