Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42402567›Full record

ArticleBMC oral health2026

Unveiling the landscape of MRONJ awareness (2025): a comprehensive national cross-sectional study of Tunisian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Safa Jemli, Aya Mtiri, Hiba Bettaieb, Malek Dhifallah, Manel Boudokhane, Syrine Bellakhal, Karim Masmoudi, Emna Abid, Walid Ghorbel

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC oral health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Safa JemliDental Department of the University Hospital of Ben Arous, Ben Arous, Tunisia. jjemlisafa@gmail.com.ORCID 0000-0003-4500-901X
Aya MtiriReaserch Laboratory LR 12SP10: Functional and Aesthetic Rehabilitation of Maxillary, 4000 university of Sousse, University of Dental Medicine, Ben Arous, Tunisia.
Hiba BettaiebInternal Medicine Department,Internal Forces Security Hospital,Rue Taher Ben Achour,La Marsa,Tunisia, University of Tunis El Manar,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, 1007, Tunisia.
Malek DhifallahInternal Medicine Department,Internal Forces Security Hospital,Rue Taher Ben Achour,La Marsa,Tunisia, University of Tunis El Manar,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, 1007, Tunisia.
Manel BoudokhaneInternal Medicine Department,Internal Forces Security Hospital,Rue Taher Ben Achour,La Marsa,Tunisia, University of Tunis El Manar,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, 1007, Tunisia.
Syrine BellakhalInternal Medicine Department,Internal Forces Security Hospital,Rue Taher Ben Achour,La Marsa,Tunisia, University of Tunis El Manar,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, 1007, Tunisia.
Karim MasmoudiDental Department of the University Hospital of Hedi Chaker, University of Monastir, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
Emna AbidDental Department of the University Hospital of Hedi Chaker, University of Monastir, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
Walid GhorbelDental Department of the University Hospital of Hedi Chaker, University of Monastir, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMedication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) represents a significant complication for patients receiving antiresorptive therapy. Dentists play a pivotal role in prevention, early detection, and management, yet global studies suggest variable practitioner preparedness. This study aimed to assess the current knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices (KAP) of Tunisian dentists concerning MRONJ and identify factors influencing competency.

methodsA nationwide, cross-sectional online survey was distributed in September 2024. The validated 26-item questionnaire covered demographics, MRONJ knowledge, risk perception, and reported clinical behaviors. Data were analyzed descriptively and analytically.

resultsAmong 106 respondents (mean age: 30 years; 79.2% female; 83% general practitioners), key findings revealed a profound knowledge-practice gap. While 77.4% identified intravenous bisphosphonates and extractions as primary risks, only 11.3% felt confident managing affected patients. Clinical caution was pronounced: 87.7% were reluctant to perform surgery, 63.2% would routinely refer, and 39.6% had refused treatment. Analytical results identified younger age (< 35 years), specialist status, and urban practice as significant positive correlates with accurate knowledge (p < 0.05). A defensive cycle emerged, linking low patient exposure to higher anxiety and avoidance behaviors.

conclusionThis first national study in Tunisia highlights critical deficits in dentist preparedness for MRONJ, driven by knowledge gaps and risk overestimation. The findings underscore an urgent need for structured, continuous education programs, clear national guidelines, and interdisciplinary collaboration to transform defensive practice into evidence-based, proactive patient management.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelBisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the JawDentistsHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticePractice Patterns, Dentists'AdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesTunisiaAntiresorptive agentsBisphosphonatesDental educationKnowledge-attitude-practiceMedication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)SurveyTunisia

Identifiers

PMID42402567
PMCPMC13383557

What Socratic holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.