Presentations 2020: OMFS

344 - Audit: the multi-disciplinary knowledge and prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in recent graduates

C Frazer-Cox, J Berger
Presented by: Charlotte Frazer-Cox
Glan Clwyd Hospital

Introduction Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is an unwanted side effect of taking anti-angiogenic and anti-resorptive medications. MRONJ most commonly occurs following a dental extraction and the incidence can therefore be reduced with appropriate prevention regimes provided in a multi-disciplinary manner. This audit involved recently qualified professionals to give an indication of their MRONJ teaching during training and to evaluate their current prevention practice. Methods Paper and electronic questionnaires were given to training pharmacists (n=11), foundation doctors (n=40) and foundation dentists (n=10) in December 2019. The standards used were based on the SDCEP MRONJ guidelines. Results The response rate was 61%. 81% were aware of MRONJ. 92% were aware that the condition was associated with alendronic acid, but there was poor knowledge of other medications. Knowledge of the symptoms of MRONJ was limited. None of the pharmacists or doctors were aware of MRONJ guidelines. 54% were informing patients of the risk of MRONJ. 43% of pharmacists and 55% of doctors would not advise that a patient prescribed these medications should attend a dental examination. The standards set for prevention in dental practice were achieved. Conclusion Knowledge and prevention of MRONJ did not meet the standards set. Communication needs to be improved to create a multi-disciplinary prevention regime. As new medications become associated with MRONJ professionals need to keep up to date with this.
Consent Statement: There are no details on individual patients reported within the abstract.

Poster