Knowledge of undergraduates in Dentistry about osteonecrosis of the jaws: from etiology to management

Abstract

Objective: was to evaluate the level of knowledge of the final-year dental students of the Universidade de Pernambuco about the etiology and management of osteonecrosis of the jaws. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with students from the 9th and 10th periods. Informed Consent, a structured questionnaire with basic information about antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs, besides the management of patients with osteonecrosis of the jaws. Results: Of the 45 students who agreed to answer the questionnaire, 22 (48.8%) were from the 9th period and 23 (51.11%) from the 10th period; 82% reported that they did not learn about antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs; 84.4% had information about osteonecrosis during their academic training. Regarding the therapeutic possibility 43.6% indicated surgical treatment (debridement); 20.5% low intensity laser and antibiotic; 12.8% surgical resection; 10.3% low intensity laser; 7.7% hyperbaric oxygenation; (5.12%) infusion of PRP (platelet rich plasma). Conclusion: The current pattern of past knowledge on the etiology and management of drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws is not providing the necessary support for decision making at the end of the formal teaching and learning process in the dental course.