MRONJ is a serious drug side effect in patients receiving long-term antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drug therapy and usually affects the bones of the jaw. Having sufficient knowledge about MRONJ is of great importance to improve treatment results, prevent this problem and reduce complications [2]. It has been observed that 99.7% of dentists do not have sufficient knowledge about diagnosing and managing MRONJ [20]. Another study showed that 60% of the participants had a good level of knowledge about MRONJ. While 50% of the participants hesitated to treat patients using BP, 63% stated that they could refer patients using BP [21]. In a study comparing the knowledge levels of dentists and dental students, it was found that 62% of dentists and 58% of dental students had insufficient knowledge of MRONJ [18]. According to the study measuring the knowledge level of dentists and dental students, 50% of the students and 68% of the dentists have up-to-date information about MRONJ. Most correctly identified the relevant risk factors. 13% of the students and 33% of the dentists knew how to treat osteonecrosis when it occurred [19]. Another study in the literature showed that 99% of the participants knew BPs and that sixth-semester students had better knowledge than fourth-semester students [17]. On the contrary, another study showed that knowledge about the side effects of antiresorptive drugs decreased as the years of professional practice increased [22]. Another study showed that oral maxillofacial surgeons had more knowledge than general dentists [23]. According to a study conducted in Saudi Arabia in 2020, 60% of the participants were found to have poor BP knowledge [24]. According to a study conducted on medical students, almost all of the students stated that comprehensive dental screening was necessary and essential before starting BP use. 16% of the students answered correctly about the drugs that cause MRONJ [25]
. In our study, senior dentistry students had 84.1% knowledge about MRONJ, while medical students had 37.5% knowledge. There is a significant statistical difference between faculties.
However, although studies investigating the level of knowledge about MRONJ among dental students are limited, there is no study comparing the level of knowledge of dental students and medical students about MRONJ. Generally, existing studies in the literature have focused on BPs. At this point, it is important to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the knowledge level of dental and medical students about MRONJ, improve their education, and enable them to manage these potential complications more effectively. Such a study could fill knowledge gaps in this field by identifying deficiencies in the diagnosis and treatment of MRONJ and contribute to the creation of a more effective training program for future dentists and medical practitioners. According to the research results, the level of knowledge about antiresorptive drugs shows a significant difference between the two faculties. However, interestingly, a lack of knowledge about antiresorptive drugs was detected in both faculties. This highlights the need for more comprehensive teaching and learning in both faculties, given the importance of this group of drugs.
Having deeper knowledge on issues such as the effects, side effects and indications for use of antiresorptive drugs can increase the professional competencies of medical and dental students. In this context, updating training programs and adopting an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes the role of antiresorptive drugs in clinical practice may better equip future healthcare professionals on this important issue. These efforts will be an important step in terms of drug safety and best management of patients. The knowledge level of medical students that these drugs can cause osteonecrosis was determined as 33%. This low level of knowledge shows that the potential risks and side effects of this drug group are not well known by students.
One of the most important results is that the rate of thinking that a dentist should be consulted before starting BP treatment is 20% among medicine students. This approach is considered a preventive treatment to prevent the occurrence of MRONJ in advance, saving time and resources in this process for both the patient and the treatment cost. Therefore, the adoption of this preventive approach by medical school students should be considered a critical step in minimizing the risks associated with MRONJ.
It has been observed that dentistry students generally have good knowledge of drug relations in areas such as bone metastasis, osteomyelitis, multiple myeloma, and Paget's, but they have deficiencies in subjects they encounter less frequently, such as neuroendocrine tumors. On the other hand, it has been observed that medical students have better knowledge about some antiangiogenic drugs. Since it is not expected to provide specific and in-depth knowledge in this field other than the questions discussed here, it is not considered as important as the previous questions.
As a result, it is necessary to increase the awareness of MRONJ among faculty of medicine students and take preventive measures such as directing patients to the dentist, especially before starting this medication, performing oral and dental examination of the patients by the dentist, and protecting and intervening in their health. In particular, it is important to remember that MRONJ is the gold standard in prevention to avoid this troublesome and protracted complication. The need to strengthen information and education programs for students by increasing awareness in this field and emphasizing these preventive strategies comes to the fore. Addressing this deficiency may help future healthcare professionals guide their patients more effectively and minimize such complications.
Although the general level of knowledge about MRONJ was higher among dental students for all departments in the survey, it was quite inadequate for both medical and dental students.
This lack of information may result in necessary treatments not being implemented, delayed or affected.
However, a greater concern is that as clinicians they will likely not be aware of the risk when treating MRONJ patients. These findings ultimately highlight the need for continuing education to improve patient care. These issues should be given more attention in the education of physician candidates.