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

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.

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.

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.

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.