Dental Students' Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH): A Survey in Vienna, Austria

Knowledge and perception regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation among dental students and dental hygienist students in Spain: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) has a high prevalence in the Spanish pediatric population and is a precursor of carious lesions in teeth in which it is present. Although this pathology is included in the curricula of the Degree in Dentistry and the Training Cycle in Oral Hygiene in our country, the contents currently taught seem to be insufficient in relation to the level of knowledge that we have today about this condition.

METHODS

A digital questionnaire of 18 questions was sent to a sample of 448 students attending the 4th and 5th year of the Degree in Dentistry and 2nd year of the Training Cycle in Oral Hygiene from different universities and vocational training centers in the Valencian Community. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis of the data was subsequently performed.

RESULTS

Of the 290 questionnaires that were obtained, 53.8% were from students attending the 2nd year of a training course in oral hygiene and 46.2% were from students pursuing a degree in dentistry. Most of the respondents had heard about MIH (75.2%), mainly through master classes. However, most students had difficulties distinguishing MIH lesions from other lesions (58.3%). The degree of knowledge about MIH was greater among dental students in all the aspects evaluated: prevalence, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Of all the students, 83.8% were interested in increasing their training on MIH, especially in the areas of diagnosis and treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study justify the need to expand the content on MIH, both theoretical and practical, in the educational curricula of the Degree in Dentistry and Integrated Vocational Training Centers in Spain.

Molar incisor hypomineralisation: Teaching and assessment across the undergraduate dental curricula in the UK

BACKGROUND

No consensus exists on how molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) should be covered by the undergraduate dental curricula.

AIM

To assess the current teaching and assessment of MIH in the UK.

DESIGN

A piloted questionnaire regarding the teaching and assessment of MIH was disseminated to paediatric, restorative and orthodontic teaching leads in each UK dental school (n = 16). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

Response rates from paediatric, restorative and orthodontic teams were 75% (n = 12), 44% (n = 7) and 54% (n = 8), respectively. Prevention of caries, preformed metal crowns, anterior resin composites and vital bleaching were taught significantly more by paediatric teams (p = .006). Quality of life and resin infiltration were absent from restorative teaching. Orthodontic teaching focussed on the timing of first permanent molar extractions. Paediatric teams were mainly responsible for assessment. Risk factors, differential diagnoses for MIH and defining clinical features were more likely to be assessed by paediatric teams than by others (p = .006). All specialities reported that students were prepared to manage MIH.

CONCLUSION

Molar incisor hypomineralisation is primarily taught and assessed by paediatric teams. No evidence of multidisciplinary or transitional teaching/assessment existed between specialities. Developing robust guidance regarding MIH learning in the UK undergraduate curricula may help improve consistency.

Knowledge, experience, and perception of molar incisor hypomineralisation among dentists in the metropolitan area of Mexico City: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is the most common developmental abnormality observed in teeth. Being a relatively new condition, its treatment can present a challenge for the dentist. There is currently no study available that has evaluated the knowledge of Mexican dental personnel. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, experience, and perceptions of dental surgeons regarding the detection, assessment, and treatment of MIH in the metropolitan area of Mexico City.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed. Dentists from Mexico City and its metropolitan area were invited through social networks to answer a questionnaire of 30 questions related to MIH. Participants were classified into general practice dentists, paediatric dentists, and other speciality dentists. Pearson's chi-square test was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was answered by 391 dentists. A total of 86% (338 out of 391) of them identified MIH lesions, while 84% of them reported having observed MIH lesions in their practice. The most frequently observed lesions were yellow-brown opacities which accounted for 47% of the lesions, 46% were white opacities, while only 7% were observed as post-eruptive fractures in the enamel as part of the manifestations of MIH. The most frequently reported problem in the management of teeth with MIH was insufficient training for treating children with MIH. A total of 84% of dentists stated that they would like more information on the treatment of MIH lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the surveyed dentists recognised MIH and reported having observed MIH lesions in their practice. Most of the dentists indicated that the main problem for the management of the MIH is the lack of training.

Knowledge and Attitudes of a Group of Dental Students in Turkey About Molar Incisor Hypomineralization

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of 4th- and 5th-year students of Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry (Diyarbakır) about molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). MATERIAL AND METHODS The questionnaires previously used in other countries were modified and the questionnaire forms consisting of 23 questions were distributed to the students online. The results of the analysis are presented as frequencies. The significance level was set as P<0.05. RESULTS A total of 111 4th-year students (51%) and 107 5th-year students (49%) participated in our study. A statistically significant difference was found between the 4th-year students (68.5%) and the 5th-year students (98.1%) in terms of having heard of the term MIH before (P<0.001). While most students reported knowing the clinical features of MIH, only 26.1% were confident in their diagnosis. A statistically significant difference was found between the 4th- and 5th-year students who thought that MIH was a clinical problem, in the distribution of those who had problems both in terms of aesthetics, and in providing adequate restoration (P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS Although most of the students were theoretically familiar with MIH, they were not confident in their diagnosis and found it difficult to differentiate MIH from other dental anomalies. However, the awareness of 5th-year dental students was better than that of the 4th-year students.

A cross-sectional survey on knowledge and attitudes of Greek dentists regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation diagnosis and treatment

Background

Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) remains a challenge for clinicians underlining the gap in the literature regarding the condition. The study aimed to record knowledge and attitudes of Greek dentists regarding diagnosis and treatment of MIH and correlate findings with non-dental characteristics.

Methods

It is a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire consisting of 37 multiple-choice questions. Data regarding diagnosis, aetiopathogenesis, and clinical management of MIH were collected from active members of three Greek Dental Associations. Chi-square and student’s t-test were used to correlate responses with practitioners’ characteristics and odds ratios calculated to evaluate differences on treatment of MIH-affected teeth (p < 0.05).

Results

From the 360 participants (response rate = 94%), 185 were general dental practitioners (GDPs) and 175 dental specialists (59 paediatric dentists (PDs), 38 orthodontists and 78 of other specialties).MIH was commonly encountered as a clinical problem, with GDPs reporting genetics and fluoride intake as common aetiological factors at significantly higher percentages as compared to PDs (p < 0.05). Permanent molars and incisors (44%) were the teeth most commonly affected, with yellow/brown demarcated opacities (68%) the most common clinical feature with PDs reporting them in a significantly higher percentage (p < 0.05). Dentists with specialisation, dentists that treat > 10 children per week and children with MIH-affected teeth had a 2–5.5 times greater probability to report difficulty achieving sufficient anaesthesia and hypersensitivity problems (p < 0.001). Agreement between GDPs’ and dental specialists’ views was found on less invasive treatment of anterior lesions. Non-PDs reported bulk-fill restorations and onlays as the ideal treatment of severely-affected posterior teeth, as compared to PDs that preferred preformed metal crowns (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the age of the clinician, years of experience and number of children treated per week were the factors significantly associated with the decision for the treatment of only severely-affected posterior MIH teeth.

Conclusions

Most participants had encountered MIH-affected teeth in their clinical practice and were able to recognize main aetiological factors and clinical findings related to the condition. Nevertheless, their knowledge regarding treatment is limited.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02525-3.

"Knowledge, clinical experience, and perceived need for training regarding molar-incisor hypomineralization among a group of Egyptian dental students: a cross-sectional study"

BACKGROUND

Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a common oral health condition that can lead to difficulties and complications for both dental professionals and patients. It also has a negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, clinical experience, and perceived need for training of a group of Egyptian dental students regarding MIH.

METHODS

Paper-based survey administration method was used to collect the responses of dental students regarding their knowledge, clinical experience, and perceived need for training about MIH. The survey consisted of two sections of questions regarding clinical features, etiological factors, prevalence, materials used in treating these teeth, factors affecting the choice of restorative materials, and their preferences regarding clinical training of MIH. Descriptive statistics was used for the data analysis by using SPSS® Statistics Version 26.

RESULTS

About two-thirds of the respondents were familiar with MIH (69.2%). The vast majority of students (87.8%) had difficulty distinguishing MIH as a developmental defect that differs from other tooth conditions (p < 0.001); most commonly enamel hypoplasia. The most common defects seen by the respondents were yellow/brown opacities (59.1%). Nearly half of the students (45.2%) choose composite resin as the material of choice for the treatment of MIH-affected teeth with aesthetics being the most common factor affecting the selection of restorative material. Almost all students expressed their needs for further clinical training on MIH, especially on treatment aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

Most students are familiar with MIH theoretically. However, there is an urgent need to include clinical training on MIH diagnosis in the practical sessions of pediatric dentistry courses.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Awareness among Postdoctoral Dental Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is the presentation of an enamel defect, where incisors and one (or more) molars are affected. Identifying MIH is significant in restoring its visual defect and avoiding pain or other consequences of this condition. The present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the awareness, ability, and confidence in identifying MIH among postgraduate residents in the state of Nevada. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among postdoctoral dental residents at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This cross-sectional study used images of cases of MIH and a survey to collect the data. The survey included demographics, educational background, and basic knowledge of MIH. Results: The response rate to the invitation to participate was 91%. The confidence in identifying MIH was 100%, 50%, and 33.3% for pediatric, orthodontic, and general practice residency (GPR). A total of 70% were aware of this anomaly from their predoctoral dental education and indicated the need for further related education. There was 33% confusion with fluorosis and 16.6% with amelogenesis imperfecta. A total of 66.6% of the participants indicated that they require further education relating to MIH. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present investigation, MIH awareness among the investigated groups varied but was highest amongst the pediatric residents.