Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2009
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
10
Issue:
4

The knowledge and attitudes of North Wales healthcare professionals to bisphosphonate associated osteochemonecrosis of the jaws

Abstract Aim and objectives: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the level of knowledge of, and the attitudes to, bisphosphonate related osteochemonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) amongst healthcare workers in North Wales. The frequency with which patients undergoing bisphosphonate therapy are seen by these healthcare professionals was also to be established. Design: A self-administered, postal questionnaire was sent to 26 community dentists, 132 general dental practitioners, 120 general medical practitioners and 60 pharmacists. Results: The results indicated that patients using bisphosphonates are seen on a regular basis by many healthcare professionals, most commonly for the treatment of osteoporosis. Although the vast majority of the healthcare professionals approached claim to be aware of the side-effects of theses drugs, very few have knowledge of osteochemonecrosis as an issue in this patient population. However, the vast majority of healthcare professionals requested further guidance on this issue. There are currently no guidelines on the effective treatment of osteochemonecrosis. Conclusions: Knowledge among many healthcare professionals; GMPs, GDPs and pharmacists about bisphosphonates and the oral/dental consequences of patients prescribed these drugs is poor. As a result of this project, advice leaflets have been produced for dentists, general medical practitioners, pharmacists and patients.

Key words: Bisphosphonates, osteochemonecrosis, dental treatment, advice

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
175
Page End
183
Authors
D R Masson, E O’Callaghan, M Seager

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  1. Reviewers
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  1. Diary Dates 2010
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