Awareness of medication related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) amongst general dental practitioners

Background Recent evidence suggests that medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) can be caused by a number of anti-resorptive and anti-angiongenic agents not limited to bisphosphonates. A working knowledge of these medications is important for dental practitioners.Methods A total of 129 general dental practitioners (GDPs) were surveyed regarding their awareness of MRONJ and its causes.Results More than 90% of the GDPs sampled were unaware of anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic medications other than bisphosphonates that had the potential to cause MRONJ. Just over 40% of the sampled GDPs were confident to treat patients on oral bisphosphonates in primary care. Much of the reluctance to manage these patients was due to lack of accessible guidelines and unclear protocols.Conclusions The results demonstrate GDP attitudes to patients taking bisphosphonates and highlight how further education is needed to increase confidence to perform simple exodontia amongst this cohort of patients in a primary care setting. As there continues to be a shift to providing dentoalveolar services in primary care, we must ensure that those performing the treatments have a greater understanding of potential MRONJ risks and have guidance as to when to refer.