A survey on knowledge and attitudes towards molar-incisor hypomineralization among undergraduate and postgraduate students at the School of Stomatology, Wuhan University

Abstract

Background Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental dental disease, and its clinical management challenges dentists. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge about MIH and the attitudes towards learning more about MIH among undergraduate and postgraduate students attending the School of Stomatology, Wuhan University. Methods This survey was based on a questionnaire modified based on previous studies. The questionnaire was sent to 540 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the School of Stomatology, Wuhan University. The questions covered their clinical experience, perceptions, clinical management, and preferences for further training. Data were analysed with the Chi-square test. Results We collected 368 questionnaires (response rate: 68%). Among them, 89% (328/368) were eligible for analysis. Most respondents (80%) had heard of MIH, primarily from classroom teaching. However, only 40% of the students had observed the disease clinically, and a relatively low proportion of students were familiar with the aetiology, prevalence, differential diagnosis, and treatment of MIH. Most respondents were highly enthusiastic and had great expectations about further systematic teaching about MIH. Conclusion Most students in this study had heard of MIH, but few were familiar with the principles of its differential diagnosis. Systematic teaching about MIH is warranted.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice on early childhood caries among dental undergraduates and residents in China

“…Residents are required to attend theoretical training lectures related to clinical practice on a regular basis at the School of Stomatology, Wuhan University. Previous surveys also found such a lack of knowledge mastery in dental education [ 16 , 17 ]. Our findings indicated that the activity and problem-based learning of undergraduates and residents should be encouraged and enhanced during clinical practice education.…”

Development of undergraduate students' diagnostic accuracy for the classification of molar incisor hypomineralization

“…Through studies that assess knowledge, practices, and attitudes, undergraduate dental students have expressed that one of the greatest difficulties with respect to MIH is its diagnosis and classification 6 . In a sample of 368 students, Liu and He found that only 20% feel that they have the ability to properly classify MIH 21 . Additionally, 90% of students expressed that there is a need to incorporate MIH into the course curriculum, emphasizing clinical features, differential diagnosis, and treatment options 21 .…”

“…In a sample of 368 students, Liu and He found that only 20% feel that they have the ability to properly classify MIH 21 . Additionally, 90% of students expressed that there is a need to incorporate MIH into the course curriculum, emphasizing clinical features, differential diagnosis, and treatment options 21 . Based on their results and analysis, the authors signal the importance of conducting comprehensive and systematic training in the undergraduate course 21 .…”

“…Additionally, 90% of students expressed that there is a need to incorporate MIH into the course curriculum, emphasizing clinical features, differential diagnosis, and treatment options 21 . Based on their results and analysis, the authors signal the importance of conducting comprehensive and systematic training in the undergraduate course 21 . Additionally, Jälevik et al demonstrated that untrained dentists have a low ability to differentiate EDD and tend to term any enamel defect as hypoplasia; in their study, only 42% of them correctly classified affected surfaces 7 .…”

“…21 Based on their results and analysis, the authors signal the importance of conducting comprehensive and systematic training in the undergraduate course. 21 Additionally, Jälevik et al demonstrated that untrained dentists have a low ability to differentiate EDD and tend to term any enamel defect as hypoplasia; in their study, only 42%…”