Essentials of Dentistry
Original Articles

Awareness of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Among Dentistry Students: A Multicenter Survey Study

1.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Uşak University Faculty of Dentistry, Uşak, Türkiye

2.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sakarya University Faculty of Dentistry, Sakarya, Türkiye

3.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Dentistry, Tokat, Türkiye

Essentials of Dentistry 2025; 4: 1-9
DOI: 10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25003
Read: 24 Downloads: 12 Published: 05 May 2025

Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the awareness of fourth- and fifth year dental students from three Turkish universities (Sakarya, Uşak, and Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Universities) regarding bisphosphonates (BPs), medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ), and related issues, as well as to identify potential improvements in their education.

Methods: A survey consisting of 16 multiple-choice and 1 open-ended question was used to assess students’ knowledge of BPs, MRONJ, and their educational preferences. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Comparisons between educational years were made with t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests, and differences among faculties were evaluated with one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results: A total of 382 students participated: 217 fourth-year and 165 fifth-year students, with a mean age of 22.84 ± 0.94 years. Fifth-year students had significantly more knowledge about BPs (P = .000) and listed their university as the primary source of information (P= .000). They alsohad a better understanding of BP active substances (P=.038) and MRONJ definitions (P=.001) than fourth-year students. Conversely, fourth-year students were less aware of diseases treated by BPs (P=.038) and appropriate patient approaches for MRONJ (P < .001). Uşak University students outperformed others in recognizing BP indications and active substances (P < .001). Overall, 64.3% of participants felt inadequate in evaluating MRONJ risk and treatment, while 88.48% expressed a desire for further education, with 34.91% requesting more clinical training.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that students feel underprepared in managing MRONJ cases, highlighting the need for enhanced clinical and theoretical training.

 

Cite this article as: Erdil A, Sami Demirsoy M, Çolak S, İğneci M, Başal A. Awareness of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw among dentistry students: a multicenter survey study. Essent Dent. 2025; 4, 0003, doi: 10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25003.

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