Dental Awareness and Barriers in Reducing the Risk of Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) Among Non-head and Neck Cancer Patients

Objectives. The objectives of this study are to assess the dental awareness in reducing the risk of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) among non-head and neck cancer patients and their barriers of attending pre-medication dental evaluation (PMDE). Methodology: This study was conducted in the Department of Oncology of the University of Malaya Medical Centre. Non-head and neck cancer patients who are currently or will be undergoing anti-resorptive and/or anti-angiogenic therapy were interviewed using a questionnaire that consist of questions on patient’s awareness, attitude, and barriers of receiving PMDE. Ethics approval was obtained. Results. In total, 17 patients were interviewed. Only 6 patients were informed by the medical doctors about the risk of MRONJ. Nine patients were advised by the medical doctors to have the PMDE prior to the therapy, and most of them in this group follow the instruction and already had their PMDE done prior to the therapy. The other 8 patients, who did not attend a PMDE, thought it was not important because their medical doctors neither inform them about MRONJ, nor refer them for PMDE. Conclusion. Patients’ awareness of MRONJ risks and preventive strategies are poor. The main barrier for PMDE is the lack of referral and information on MRONJ from the medical doctors. Patients’ attitudes were positive towards PMDE if they were referred by the medical doctors.