Dentists’ perception, knowledge, and clinical management of molar-incisor-hypomineralisation in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundMolar-incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is considered as a global dental problem. There is little knowledge of general dental practitioners (GDPs) and dental specialists (DSs) about this condition in different parts of the world, particularly in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Hence, this study has been carried out to assess the knowledge of GDPS and DSs in Kuwait about MIH condition, its clinical presentation and management. Findings would help national school oral health program (SOHP) to promote good oral healthcare.MethodsA structured questionnaire was distributed to 310 attendees of the 18th Kuwait Dental Association Scientific Conference, Kuwait. Data concerning demographic variables, prevalence, diagnosis, severity, training demands and clinical management of MIH were collected.ResultsA response rate of 71.3% (221/310) was reported. 94% of respondents noticed MIH in their practice. Yellow/brown demarcation has been observed as a common clinical presentation (> 50%). Almost 10–20% of MIH prevalence has been reported by the participants. Resin composite was the dental material often used in treating MIH teeth (~ 65%), and fewer than half would use it for treating moderately affected molars. Most respondents would use preformed metal crowns for severe MIH (63%). Dental journals were the information source for DSs; whereas, the internet was the information source for GDPs. Child’s behaviour was the main reported barrier for treatment of MIH affected children. Many GDPs felt unconfident when diagnosing MIH compared to dental specialists. Respondents supported the need to investigate MIH prevalence and to receive a clinical training.ConclusionsMolar incisor hypomineralisation is a recognised dental condition by practitioners in Kuwait. Yellow/brown demarcated opacities were the most reported clinical presentation, and the composite resin was the most preferred dental material for restoring MIH teeth. Most GDPs and dental specialists would use preformed metal crowns for severely affected molars. GDPs reported low levels of confidence in MIH diagnosis which necessitates conducting continuing education courses to provide high- quality dental care for children with MIH.

Perception, knowledge, and attitudes towards molar incisor hypomineralization among Spanish dentists: a cross-sectional study

“…The response rate was 18.6%, despite a reminder sent at 2 weeks. Although the response was low, it was similar to that recorded in similar studies in other countries [ 8 , 13 , 16 , 19 , 21 ] and in various dental studies [ 24 , 25 ]. The response rate in surveys of health care workers is falling, despite the use of new technologies.…”

“…The high prevalence and incidence of MIH, the poor quality of life of paediatric patients and the difficult clinical management, have led to numerous studies on the perception, diagnosis and management of MIH through surveys of dentists, both general dental practitioners (GDPs) and paediatric dentists (PDs) [ 13 – 22 ]. In Spain, despite the high prevalence described in some areas, no studies have been conducted on how dentists act in the face of MIH.…”

Perception, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Among Spanish Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study.

“…We used an online survey to avoid the low response rate obtained in postal survey 23 . The response rate was 18.6%, despite a reminder sent at two weeks, which was similar to that recorded in studies in other countries 8,13,16,19,21 .…”

“…However, a recent systematic review shows that the rate of failures in restoration materials in the treatment of MIH is higher with the use of amalgams and glass ionomers, and the highest success rate is achieved with indirect restorations, preformed stainless steel crowns (SSC) and composite restorations 43 . In other studies, composite was the material of choice 8,13,17,18 , and was recommended by Lygidakis et al 25 in moderate lesions. In our study, the number of SSCs was very low, compared with other studies 8,16,18 in which it was the treatment of choice in fractures for most PDs.…”

“…The high prevalence and incidence of MIH, the poor quality of life of child patients and the di cult clinical management, have led to numerous studies on the perception, diagnosis and management of MIH through surveys of dentists, both general dental practitioners (GDPs) and pediatric dentists (PDs) [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] . In Spain, despite the high prevalence described in some areas, no studies have been conducted on how dentists act in the face of MIH.…”