Knowledge, experience and perception regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) among dentists and dental hygienists in Oslo, Norway

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study is to gather baseline information on knowledge, perceptions, clinical experience and treatment options regarding MIH among dental care providers in Oslo, Norway, before a larger epidemiological study. Methods An electronic questionnaire was distributed to dentists (n = 88) and dental hygienists (n = 47) working in the Public Dental Service (PDS) in Oslo. The questionnaire consisted of five sections related to sociodemographic, clinical experience, perceptions, clinical management and preferences for further training. Descriptive statistics with chi-squared test was used, and level of statistical significance was set to 5%. Results Replies were obtained from 74.1% (n = 100) after two reminders. All respondents encountered MIH in their practice. The respondents’ perception of the prevalence of MIH in Oslo varied. The majority felt confident when diagnosing MIH (86%). The clinicians qualified in the last 10 years felt more confident than those who had qualified earlier (p = 0.016). Most were self-confident when treating these patients (68.3%), however, nearly all (88%) agreed that MIH was a clinical problem. The clinician’s treatment of MIH varied. Difficulties achieving adequate local anaesthetic (71.4%) and the child’s behavioural problems (84.1%) were treatment barriers for the dentists. Approximately two thirds (69%) would like further training, in particular on the aetiology (70%), diagnosis (57%) and treatment (77%) of the developmental disorder. Conclusion All clinicians were familiar with the diagnosis of MIH and experienced the condition to be a clinical problem. Continuing education on aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of MIH is requested by dental health personnel.

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

“…PDs showed higher probability for reporting achievement of adequate anaesthesia and problems due to hypersensitivity. These results are not in agreement with findings from most of the studies [7,18,22] that mainly report child's behaviour as the main barrier to care. Multiple dental visits, regular follow-ups and extensive dental interventions increase dental anxiety and have a negative influence on the children's behaviour.…”

“…Up to date, there is limited evidence, from questionnaire-based surveys in Europe, Asia and Australia [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] regarding knowledge and attitudes of dentists about MIH. All studies reported that it is a widespread clinical problem, whose diagnosis and management is challenging.…”

Knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and clinical experiences on molar incisor hypomineralization among Syrian pediatric dentists and general dental practitioners: a cross-sectional study

“…In the present questionnaire, most respondents reported that genetic factors had a significant role in the etiology of MIH [ 18 ], with different views among GDPs and PDs. Similar results were reported in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Norway [ 19 – 21 ]. PDs have encountered more MIH-affected children during their practice and perceived that MIH prevalence is increasing in Syria.…”

Knowledge and Perceptions of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation among General Dental Practitioners, Paediatric Dentists, and Other Dental Specialists in Indonesia

“…The present study reveals that most of the dental practitioner respondents agree that genetic, environmental factors, acute medical conditions affecting mother or child, chronic medical conditions affecting mother and child, and antibiotic use and other medications are associated with the aetiology of MIH. The same responses were also reported in the latest studies [ 31 , 32 ]. Regarding fluoride exposure, PDs have better knowledge that fluoride exposure is not related to MIH.…”

“…Data were collected for four weeks in November–December 2021. A modified questionnaire based on earlier publications was used [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Data on socio demography, knowledge, and confidence in diagnosing and treating MIH, preference for continuing education, and opinion about the MIH clinical training necessity were obtained.…”