Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw was the topic of Baylor College of Dentistry’s annual Faculty Calibration Workshop held April 2.

For the first time, the workshop – usually limited to participation by BCD faculty – was expanded to include dental and dental hygiene students and private practitioners. Clinics were closed so that nearly 500 individuals could hear the invited lecture by Dr. Robert E. Marx, professor and chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who is one of the pioneers in researching the condition.

Through the use of video conferencing, Marx’s lecture on the sixth floor was viewed simultaneously by students in remote lecture halls. Students were able to participate in the question-and-answer session following Marx’s presentation.

Bisphosphonates have become a standard treatment for metastatic disease spread to bone from breast, lung, and prostate cancer. The therapy also is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates, however, have been identified since 2003 as the source of osteonecrosis in cancer patients who receive intravenous bisphosphonate therapy and osteoporosis patients who receive oral bisphosphonate therapy.

Marx’s presentation illustrated the need for dental professionals to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the pharmacologic actions of the drugs, their clinical use and their possible long-term oral complications. Of equal importance is the ability for dental health professionals to predict risks and to recommend steps to prevent the ONJ from developing.

BCD has begun taking steps toward that end with the recent distribution of the BCD Protocol for Patients on Bisphosphonate Therapy to faculty and appropriate personnel followed by the invitation of Marx as lecturer for the faculty calibration workshop.

“This program engaged students in developing a mindset for continuing education and expanding the use of extracurricular information in clinical decision making and care,” says Dr. Charles Berry, associate dean for academic affairs.

Faculty and students agree that the significance of this first-time event was elevated due to the prominence of the speaker. “We considered it a coup to have Dr. Marx on campus to speak on such a timely, important topic,” says Dr. Lavern J. Holyfield, director of faculty development and chair of the faculty development committee. “Drs. Gil Triplett and William Hallmon were largely responsible for making it possible for the college to present a speaker of such renown. Special thanks are extended to them.”