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DOI: 10.48087/BJMS.2026.130404
Authors: Meriem TAGUIA1, Razika SALAH MARS2
Affiliations: 1- Service de pathologie et chirurgie buccales CHU Annaba, faculté de médecine d’Annaba – Algérie. 2- Service de pathologie et chirurgie buccales CHU Constantine – Algérie.
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of dentists regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) in the municipality of Annaba. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 dentists practicing in the municipality of Annaba. Participants completed a questionnaire consisting of two parts. The first part collected demographic data, including sex and specialty. The second part addressed bisphosphonates and their indications, identification of patients at risk of MRONJ, other medications associated with osteonecrosis of the jaws, the definition of MRONJ, its clinical manifestations, risk factors, and prevention methods. Results: Among the dentists surveyed, 60.8% were aware of MRONJ; however, only 35.1% were able to provide a correct definition. The majority (79.7%) had never encountered a patient with MRONJ. Only 18.9% were aware of the association between the risk of MRONJ in osteoporotic patients and the prolonged use (>4 years) of oral bisphosphonates or intravenous zoledronate, while 68.9% were unaware of this relationship and the remaining respondents answered incorrectly. Most participants were unfamiliar with the medications predisposing to MRONJ, and 59.5% incorrectly cited radiotherapy as a causative factor. Dento-alveolar surgery was identified as the primary local risk factor, and the mandible as the most frequently affected anatomical site. Conclusion: Dentists practicing in the municipality of Annaba demonstrated an overall low level of knowledge regarding MRONJ, although their awareness of preventive measures was satisfactory. These findings underscore the need to strengthen training programs related to MRONJ and its management within dental practice.
Keywords: Osteonecrosis of the jaws, medications, bisphosphonates, dentists’ knowledge, prevention.