Comparison of Knowledge and Awareness Status of Senior Dental and Medical Students About MRONJ: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors : Selin Gaş, Emine Öğüt, Erdinç Sulukan, Hümeyra Kocaelli, Firdevs Şenel

Pages : 41-55

View : 29 | Download : 20

Publication Date : 2025-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a condition that can be managed and prevented through effective collaboration between dental and medical professionals, is a rare yet potentially serious disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of Turkish dental and medical school students regarding MRONJ. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 dental and 234 medical students. Data were collected using an electronic and paper-based self-administered structured modified questionnaire consisting of five sections. SPSS Version 23 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) was utilized, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: Both dental and medical students indicated that their curricula included courses on antiresorptive, antiangiogenic drugs, and the development of MRONJ associated with the use of these drugs. However, the level of knowledge and awareness among students in both groups regarding MRONJ was low. When comparing the awareness of MRONJ between medical and dental students, dental students (%88.6) exhibited a higher level than medical students (%52.1). Dental students also demonstrated greater awareness of the appropriate imaging techniques for diagnosing MRONJ compared to their medical counterparts (p<0.05). However, medical students\\\' knowledge about dental approaches during bisphosphonate therapy was not as comprehensive as that of dental students. Conclusion: Despite both dental and medical students having courses on MRONJ in their curriculum, their awareness and knowledge appear insufficient. This inadequacy may lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment modalities. Enhancing the quality and quantity of courses, with a focus on drugs inducing MRONJ and updated treatment protocols, could be proposed to address these issues.
Keywords : MRONJ, Diş Öğrencileri, Tıp Öğrencileri, Bilgi, Farkındalık