Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists in Colombia regarding bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws

Abstract

Introduction and objective: In order to provide proper dental management to patients who are under bisphosphonate therapy it is of critical importance that dentists perform a good anamnesis, a comprehensive clinical examination to asses for possible risk factors for bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws (BIONJ). Although this issue has been explored in other parts of the world, in Colombia there is currently no scientific evidence to support it. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices (domains) of general and specialist dentists regarding BIONJ. Materials and methods: Paper/online surveys that included questions about knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding BIONJ were distributed and completed by 228 general dentists and 114 dental specialists in Colombia. Student’s t-test was used to determine statistical difference between groups of dentists (P < 0.05). Results: The attitudes domain was removed from the analysis as it did not meet statistical criteria. Overall rate of BIONJ knowledge was 55.8%, being 65.3% and 50.7% for specialists and general dentists respectively. The difference between these groups was statistically significant (P = 0.0004). Overall rate of adequate practices was 38.4%, being 44.6% for dental specialists, and 35.1% for general dentists. The difference between these groups was statistically significant (P = 0.023). Conclusion: The level of knowledge and good practices regarding BIONJ in Colombia was greater and better in dental specialists than in general dentists. Those with higher knowledge scores suggested greater educational efforts to spread knowledge among dentists about BIONJ.