Investigation of Osteoradionecrosis Awareness of Dentists in Turkey in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Authors : Uğur Dolunay, Hasan Küçükkolbaşı, Yunus Akdoğan

Pages : 1-6

Doi:10.15311/selcukdentj.1483621

View : 66 | Download : 85

Publication Date : 2025-04-21

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: Head and neck cancers; include cancers in the oral cavity, lip, nasal cavity, salivary glands, pharynx, and larynx. This study aimed to investigate dentists\\\' awareness of osteoradionecrosis, one of the most critical side effects of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Material and Method: In this survey study, dentists from 12 different regions in NUTS-1 determined by TURKSTAT were reached via digital media and their participation in the study was ensured. Participants were asked 25 questions about osteoradionecrosis prepared by reviewing the literature. For the statistical analysis of the data collected from the questionnaires, frequency analysis, and chi-square test were performed with the help of the SPSS 23 package program. A p-value <0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. Results: A total of 634 participants, including 278 (44%) intern dentists,149 (24%) general practitioner dentists, 128 (20%) doctoral-specialty students, and 79 (12%) specialist dentists, were included in the study. When the data obtained from the study is examined; It was found significant as a result of the analysis that doctorate-specialty students and specialist dentists had more knowledge in the diagnosis of osteoradionecrosis and in the treatment methods (p=0.000<0.050). Conclusion: Necessary training should be provided both in the undergraduate program and within the framework of continuing education activities to increase the awareness of osteoradionecrosis in general practitioners and intern dentists.
Keywords : farkındalık, baş ve boyun kanseri, osteoradyonekroz, radyoterapi