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Introduction:
The appearance of new
therapeutic options for oncologycal, and rheumatological patients has
led to a significant improvemen in their quality of life. These patients
are on long-term therapy with drugs that show unwanted effects, along
with the prevention of worsening of the underlying disease, a new
pathological problem in the jaws appears, the so-called bisphosphonate
related osteonecrosis of the jaw bones (BRONJ).
The aim
of this epidemiological study was to determine the percentage of
dentists in North Macedonia who are aware of the occurrence, problems
and complications that accompany patients BRONJ as well as the ability
to recognize it.
Material and methods:
The research was conducted in the Republic of North Macedonia, in a
total of 100 dental practices. The survey included 10
questions about the information and the way doctors were informed, as
well as the ability to recognize osteonecrosis of the jaws and treatment
of osteonecrosis of the jaws caused by bisphosphonates.
Results:
Out of a total of 100 distributed surveys, 35 dentists returned
completed questionnaires,
i.e.,
35% of dentists wanted to participate in the survey.
Of
the
total of 35 processed
questionnaires,
68.5% have not heard of the occurrence of bisphosphonate osteonecrosis
of the jaws. Of the 31.5% who had knowledge of this pathological
phenomenon, 60% learned from colleagues, 25% during continuing medical
education, 15% from the literature. 88.5% do not know whether and which
drugs can lead to BRONJ, while 68.5% do not ask anamnestic questions
about the conditions in which these drugs are used.
troughs.
Eighty percent of dentists
do not know any preventive or therapeutic measures for BRONJ.
Conclusion:
A small percentage of dentists in North Macedonia have knowledge about
BRONJ. Awareness of occurrence, prevention and treatment should be
increased, through programs of continuous medical education, as well as
through other ways of obtaining professional knowledge.
Key words:
osteonecrosis,
BRONJ, education
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Address of correspondence:
Marijan Denkovski, DDM,
Ilindenska 5a, Kumanovo, North Macedonia
E-mail: marijandenkovski@gmail.com
Copyright © 2024by The Editorial Council of The Acta
Stomatologica Naissi
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