Al-Samman A A, Al-Ani R S. A cross-sectional survey on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws' knowledge and awareness in a sample of dental society. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2019; pii: S1010-5182(18)30754-6. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2019.02.006. [Epub ahead of print].

There is a need to strengthen MRONJ awareness and knowledge amongst general dentists and dental specialists to identify 'at risk' patients for appropriate advice and management.

Awareness about MRONJ is crucial for all dental practitioners to identify 'at risk' patients for appropriate advice and management. This cross-sectional survey was based in Iraq and aimed to determine MRONJ awareness and knowledge amongst dental professionals. One hundred and seventy-eight dentists completed a questionnaire-based survey. The group consisted of 113 general dental practitioners (GDPs), 33 dental radiologists (DR) and 32 oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS). A significant difference existed amongst the groups with a rate of MRONJ's awareness of 34%, 49%, and 84% for GDPs, DRs, and OMSs respectively. Concerning MRONJ knowledge, significantly higher rates were seen in the OMSs set with a score of 49%. In contrast, the score for DRs was 31%, and the GDP group had the lowest score of 17%. The authors commented on the imperative need to strengthen MRONJ awareness and knowledge amongst dental professionals.