Across-sectional survey on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws' knowledge and awareness in a sample of dental society.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a prominent complication and growing problem related to the oral and maxillofacial region due to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic agents. Awareness about MRONJ is crucial for all dental practitioners identify 'at risk' patients for appropriate advice and management. This cross-sectional survey aimed to appraise MRONJ awareness and knowledge among dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out through one hundred and seventy eight dentist who recruited in three groups; the first group comprised 113 general dental practitioners (GDP), 33 dental radiologist (DR) included in the second, and 32 oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) in the third group. MRONJ awareness was evaluated by asking all respondents a question of "Did you heard about MRONJ? In addition, the detailed knowledge on the subject in question were addressed through fourteen, nine, and three questions for OMSs, DRs, and GDPs respectively. RESULTS: A significant difference were existed among groups with a rate of MRONJ's awareness of 33.6%, 48.5%, and 84.4% for GDPs, DRs, and OMSs respectively. Concerning MRONJ knowledge, significantly highest rates seen in OMSs set with 48.55%. In contrast, the average scores of DRs were 30.64%, and the GDPs group recorded the least value with 16.67%. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthen the MRONJ awareness and knowledge among general dentists and dental specialists are essential to identify 'at risk' patients for appropriate advice and management.

Evaluation of Kharma scale as a predictor of lower third molar extraction difficulty

Background: The Evaluation of the degree of lower third molar (L3M) extraction difficulty is extremely important for both clinicians and patients. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of a new index (Kharma scale) as a preoperative predictor index of the difficulty of surgical removal of impacted L3M. Material and Methods: Extraction difficulty of a series of 49-impacted L3M was predicted preoperatively by Kharma scale, and postoperative difficulty was assessed with a modified Parant scale. Results: The sensitivity of Kharma scale, as a predictor of difficulty, was 18.2% and the specificity was 68.4%. Likelihood ratios for the Kharma categories also indicated that the scale is of little value for predicting a difficult extraction. There was no significant association between the Kharma score and duration of operation, but highmodified Parant scores were significantly associated with longer operations. Conclusions: The proposed Kharma scale was unreliable as preoperative predictor of the L3M extraction difficulty, and both radiological and clinical information must be taken into account (AU)

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