Medicamentos antirreabsortivos: perfil técnico-científico dos cirurgiões-dentistas

Abstract

Introduction - Antiresorptive drugs are medications frequently used in the treatment of bone disorders and metastatic malignancies. However, chronic use of these medications can result in osteonecrosis of the jaws. Among the drugs of the antiresorptive class, bisphosphonates and denosumabs have stood out. Objective - To determine the level of scientific information of dental surgeons who carry out their professional activities in the state of Bahia (Brazil) about antiresorptive drugs and indicated pharmacological procedures aiming at the prevention of osteonecrosis of the jaws and the therapy of drug sequelae that may occur, considering the time since graduation in Dentistry and the academic qualification of these professionals. Methodology - This is a quantitative cross-sectional study in which 339 dentists were consulted using the virtual questionnaire containing topics of personal nature and professional, elements contained in the anamnesis carried out and knowledge about antiresorptive drugs, including indications, adverse effects and treatments applied. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed to analyze associations of data described by absolute and relative frequencies with professionals' time since graduation. All analyses were performed using the R software, with 5% significance level. Results - Among the 339 survey participants, the majority were female (76.4%), aged 31-35 years (25.1%). Furthermore, a large part of the professionals had a degree in dentistry obtained in the University category (49.0%), in the state of Bahia (80.5%). In relation to variables related to professional performance, those ones who revealed to have graduated for more than five years with the highest academic degree were those who demonstrated maximum knowledge of antiresorptive drugs or revealed that somehow, they had information about them (p<0,05). Conclusion - Dental surgeons in Brazil who have more than five years since graduation have more scientific information about antiresorptive drugs and pharmacological procedures, which can positively contribute to the prevention of osteonecrosis of the jaws and treatment of drug sequelae that may occur. Additionally, this current work highlights the need to highlight more in undergraduate dentistry courses the issues relating to antiresorptive drugs, as professionals with skills are needed to avoid and or interrupt the serious sequelae that may occur in the jaws of individuals who use these medications.