Management of patients under Bone Anti-Resorptive Drugs- A Survey among Dental Practitioners

Bone antiresorptive drugs are commonly prescribed for osteoporosis, Paget's disease, multiple myeloma, metastasis-associated with breast/prostate cancer. The most common complication of these drugs is the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw. Maximum precautions should be taken in these patients before undertaking invasive dental procedures as they are at risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice among the dental practitioners in managing patients on these group of drugs.

To assess the knowledge and practice regarding the management of patients under bone anti-resorptive therapy among dental practitioners in Saveetha Dental College.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-prepared and pre-validated questionnaire containing 13 close-ended questions on knowledge and practice among 150 dental practitioners in Saveetha Dental College.

Out of 150 Dental practitioners, 69% were female and 31% were male. About 33% of dentists had more than 2 years of experience while 67% had less than 2 years of experience. Qualification distribution revealed 50.7% of dental specialists and 49.3% dental graduates. The mean score of Knowledge and practice was high among males when compared to females, high among dental specialists with more than 2 years of experience.

The practitioners are aware of the antiresorptive group of drugs, its indication, and oral complication. The management protocol, precautions needed to treat these patients for any invasive dental procedures are well understood by the Dental practitioners.