Knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate dental students at the University of Barcelona regarding antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and attitudes of dental students at the University of Barcelona (Spain) concerning antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications and their implications in dental treatment. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dentistry students at the University of Barcelona using a 27-item questionnaire. This anonymous survey gathered demographic variables and assessed student interest in attending an educational session on oral pathology. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed following data collection. Results: A total of 105 students were surveyed. They all demonstrated awareness of antiresorptive medications, their pharmacokinetics and indications. Less than half, however, could identify drugs linked to osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) or associated risk factors for oral complications. The students had a better understanding of antiresorptive drugs in comparison with antiangiogenic medications. Moreover, comparative analysis revealed that 5th year dental students had a higher level of knowledge of the dental implications of these drugs. Conclusions: This study shows that dental student knowledge of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications needs to be improved. The development of educational strategies to address the implications of these drugs in dental treatment is clearly indicated.