Objectives: Oral healthcare professionals are at a unique position for prevention and timely diagnosis and management of MRONG, the aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge, awareness and prevention practices regarding MRONJ.

Materials and methods: A validated questionnaire was distributed to practicing dentists. The questionnaire contained questions about demographics, knowledge about MRONJ, and prevention practices. A knowledge score (range from 0-19) was devised to evaluate the overall knowledge of each participant regarding MRONJ and related medications. Descriptive statistics were generated. 

Results: A total of 186 (105 females, and 81 males) completed the questionnaire. The mean age of study participants was 34.3 years. The vast majority of the study participants of 91.4% are aware of MRONJ (n=170, 91.4%). The mean Knowledge Score (KS) of the study population is 9.5 out of 19. There was no association detected between the age of the participants or the years of experience with the mean KS (P=0.477 and P=0.141; t-test). The majority of participants were unsure and would rather refer the patient to a specialist before exodontia in patient taking IV bisphosphonates (n=86, 45.7%) with only 3.7% answering they would extract (n=7). Among the study participants, only 11.8% were able to identify all 6 choices that might aid in the prevention of MRONJ (n=22). 

Conclusion: There is a general lack of knowledge and awareness and inadequate early detection practices among general dental practitioners. Dental education curriculum should emphasize the importance of prevention practices and correct dental treatment protocols in patients taking anti-resorptive or anti-angiogenic medications.