Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a condition in which bone cells die due to various causes. It is classified as drug-induced jaw osteonecrosis, osteoradionecrosis, traumatic, non-traumatic, and spontaneous osteonecrosis. Antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs cause drug-induced osteonecrosis. The combination of medications, microbial contamination, and local trauma induces this condition. Osteoradionecrosis is a severe radiation therapy side effect that can affect people with head and neck cancer. It is described as an exposed bone area that does not heal for longer than three months after the end of radiation treatment with the absence of any indications of an original tumor, recurrence, or metastasis. Trauma (tooth extraction), tumor site, radiation dose that the patient receives, the area of the bone which is irradiated, oral hygiene, and other factors are risk factors for the development of osteonecrosis. Less frequently, osteonecrosis can also be induced by non-traumatic and traumatic causes. Non-traumatic osteonecrosis is brought on by infections, acquired and congenital disorders, as well as the impact of chemicals. Traumatic osteonecrosis is brought on by thermal, mechanical, or chemical damage. The treatment of osteonecrosis can be conservative, which aims to be beneficial for the patient’s quality of life, and surgical, which involves debridement of the necrotic bone.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry has been recommended for different groups of patients, such as patients with impaired immunologic function, patients at risk of developing infective endocarditis or prosthetic joint infection, patients previously exposed to high-dose irradiation of the head and neck regions, and patients receiving intravenous bisphosphonate and antiangiogenic treatment. The guidelines have been changed over the years, and the list of medical conditions requiring antibiotic prophylaxis has been shortened considerably in the context of antibiotic resistance and unnecessary antibiotic prescription.

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on physical, mental, and social aspects of life worldwide. This study aimed to explore and compare differences in knowledge, awareness, behavior, and the psychological impact of the pandemic among students of biomedical faculties at the University of Zagreb. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 27 November 2020 and 19 January 2021 involving 518 students from the School of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed, assessing participants’ knowledge about SARS-CoV-2, information sources, attitudes, and psychological responses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests. Results: The median knowledge score was 61.54%, with senior and female students demonstrating significantly more knowledge (p < 0.001 and p = 0.044, respectively). Students who consulted the scientific literature and official websites had higher knowledge levels (p < 0.001). Most participants used media and social networks for pandemic information, while scientific sources were underutilized. Psychological impacts were evident, with 46.3% expressing fear about the future and 25% reporting anxiety if they were to be infected. Additionally, those who engaged with the scientific literature were more likely to accept vaccination and showed lower levels of COVID-19 stigma. A majority (64.5%) believed that the media exaggerated the pandemic’s risks. Conclusions: Biomedical students demonstrated moderate knowledge about COVID-19, with a clear link between scientific literacy and more informed, less stigmatizing attitudes. This study underscores the importance of reliable information sources in shaping public health awareness and highlights the need for further education on COVID-19 symptoms and preventive measures.

Antiresorptive drugs (AR) have been used for many years in the treatment of various bone conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, Paget's disease, bone metastases, multiple myeloma and the associated malignant hypercalcemia. As a side effect of AR therapy, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, which affects the mandible more commonly than the maxilla, (MRONJ) has become an increased risk regarding patients’ health and quality of life. The incidence of osteonecrosis has increased significantly in the last few years. One of the main methods of the disease prevention is the education of patients and doctors of dental medicine (DDMs). This is evidenced by the national program of information and prevention of antiresorptive therapy side effects, which was also the impetus for this study. This study aims to test the knowledge of DDMSs on AR, especially on bisphosphonate (BF) therapy, MRONJ as well as on the risk factors of the disease itself. 458 DDMs from the Republic of Croatia participated in the survey and responded by an anonymous questionnaire to questions about the knowledge of AR/BF and the risk of MRONJ. The results showed that 36.68% of DDMs do not know that MRONJ is the main complication of AR/BF therapy. The results are significantly different in terms of academic degree, specialization, workplace, and work experience. 60.26% of respondents do not know the main indications for AR/BF use, 53.26% do not know the factors affecting the onset of the disease, and 42.58% do not know which therapy is not recommended for patients on AR/BF therapy. 93.89% of respondents expressed the desire to educate on this issue. This current study was carried out to further investigate the pilot study findings which was conducted in the year 2015, but it had a significantly lower number of participants. This research suggests that further education of DDMS on this topic is necessary to prevent or to start early treatment of MRONJ.

Background/Objectives: Although there is a general consensus that patients should have dental evaluation before heart valve surgery, data on the extent and complications of this evaluation are scarce. The objective was to analyze safety and feasibility of dental evaluation in patients undergoing heart valve surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients referred for dental evaluation prior to heart valve surgery in 2021–2023 was conducted. Demographic, medical, and dental data were recorded. The number and type of dental procedures and their complications were recorded, along with the number of appointments and the time required to achieve dental clearance for heart valve surgery. Results: One hundred and fifty-three patients were referred in the observed period. The predominant procedure was tooth extraction, accounting for 76 (49.7%) cases. Complications were recorded in 3 (1.9%) patients, with delayed bleeding being the most prevalent issue, occurring in 2 (1.3%) patients. The median time required to obtain dental clearance for cardiosurgical procedure was 1 day, with 124 (81%) patients obtaining clearance in a single appointment. No dental emergencies were observed during hospital admission for the cardiosurgical procedure. Conclusions: Our results suggest that dental evaluation before heart valve surgery can be conducted in a reasonable amount of time with a low complication rate and without the need to delay cardiosurgical procedures.