Bisphosphonates.

I have read "Fear and Facts, Understanding Bisphosphonate Use" (Access, March 2009 lead story, page 14) with great interest, three times actually. I am a full-time

dental hygienist in a general practice in rural Maine. I hope that your article has awakened the many Access readers regarding this ominous problem. Within the past year, I have seen three cases of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw. All of these were in patients that had started taking Fosamax in 2005. I feel that we have only seen the beginning of what is going to be a major problem, and it scares me. I understand that more bisphosphonates are being prescribed every day for a greater number of health issues, not just osteoporosis. Maybe the dental profession needs to take a stance with the medical profession on this important topic.

Mary K. Garrepy, RDH

Winthrop, Maine