Name: Medically Complex Patients Series [8] ‘Phossy Jaw’- the elephant in the room
Start: 2025-02-22T17:20:10+13:00
End: 2025-02-22T17:20:10+13:00
Location: Medically Complex Patients Series [8] ‘Phossy Jaw’- the elephant in the room

In todays' evolving healthcare landscape, dentists play a crucial role in the management of medically complex patients. Providing comprehensive and compassionate care requires an understanding of each patient's needs, including any related medical conditions. This webinar series will explore a number of topics aimed at giving practical advice for dentists to navigate the challenges of treating patients with diverse medical needs in dental practice.

Learning outcomes

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a condition where exposed bone or bone can be detected through an intraoral or extraoral fistula/e in the maxillofacial region, does not heal within eight weeks, and occurs in a patient who has received a bone-modifying agent (BMA) or an angiogenic inhibitor agent, with no history of head and neck radiation . In the last two decades, there has been a steady increase in its incidence. Dental screening and adequate treatment and planning are fundamental to reduce the risk of osteonecrosis in patients under antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapy, or before initiating its administration. The treatment of MRONJ is generally difficult and the optimal therapy strategy is still to be established but should be made on a case by case basis. This webinar will broadly discuss this clinical conundrum and discuss its pathogenesis and treatment options from a general practice point of view.

Speaker

Dr David Antunovic BDS Dip Clin Dent (Perio) FRACDS (Special Needs) FFOMP (RCPA) NZSSM

David Antunovic works both in a busy private practice and for the Taranaki DHB/ Te Whatu Ora Taranaki as Clinical Leader-Dental. David was a founding member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Special Needs Dentistry (ANZASND). He is a specialist special care dentist and consultant to Taranaki Base hospital and Advisor and Educator for the Community oral Health Service. David is an External clinical advisor to ACC for treatment injury. He has practiced in NZ and central London, has undertaken postgraduate study at the University of Otago and has successfully completed fellowships with the RACDS and the RACP and has been an external examiner for both the RACDS and the University of Otago. He has been appointed Chairman of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons RACDS - New Zealand Regional Committee.