Method: Dental practitioners (n=93) in South Texas were surveyed through the South Texas Oral Health Network (STOHN) for BONJ knowledge, perception and clinical practices for patients on bisphosphonate therapy. A knowledge score was computed, and associations between participant demographic characteristics and knowledge survey items, perception survey items, and knowledge score category were explored.
Result: Most practitioners (78%) classified as High Knowledge (50/64) felt they were well-informed compared to 54% classified as Low Knowledge (13/24) (P=0.03). Knowledge score groupings reflected differences in practice behaviors for medical history (94% high vs. 71% low; P=0.01), altering treatments offered (97% high vs. 79% low; P=0.06), and blood testing for bisphosphonate therapy (30% high vs. 9% low; P=0.05).
Conclusion: Practitioners recognize their need for additional information in guiding the dental care of patients taking bisphosphonates. The practitioner’s knowledge of bisphosphonate-related risks impacts practice behaviors toward patients taking these medications. Clinical Implications: This study identifies differences in practice behaviors based on subject knowledge and demonstrates the value of the translation of information into clinical practice guiding dental care for patients taking bisphosphonates.