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

Abstract

Background: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a growing problem, and its treatment is a challenge. The purpose was to evaluate and compare the perceptions, knowledge and clinical experiences of MIH between general dental practitioners (GDPs) and pediatric dentists (PDs) in Spain. Methods: All dentists belonging to the College of Dentists of the Region of Murcia, in the South-East of Spain, were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. They were asked to complete a 2-section questionnaire including socio-demographic profiles and knowledge, experience, and perceptions of MIH. Data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test, Fisher´s exact test and Cramer´s V test.Results: The overall response rate was 18.6% (214/1147). Most respondents were aged 31-40 years (44.86%), with more than 15 years of professional experience (39.72%). They worked mainly in the private sector (84.58%) and were licensed in Dentistry (74.30%): 95.45% of pediatric dentists had detected an increase in the incidence of MIH in recent years (p<0.001). Only 23.80% of GDPs claimed to have had some training course in MIH. With respect to the etiology, chronic medical conditions (p<0.05) and environmental pollutants (p<0.001) were the only factors that showed significant between-group differences. Durability (p<0.01) and remineralization potential (p<0.05) were the factors where there was a between-group difference when choosing the material for restoration. In the case of post-eruptive fractures and opacities the preferred material for both groups was resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC). However, in incisor lesions, composite was the material of choice for both groups, with significant differences (p<0.05) in the use of glass ionomer. Most respondents expressed a need for continuing education on MIH. Conclusion: Spanish dentists perceived an increase in the incidence of MIH. The material of choice is RMGIC for non-aesthetic sectors and composite for incisors. Both GDPs and PDs believe they need more training on the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of MIH.

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

“…Approximately half of respondents had the opinion that the prevalence of MIH appears to be increasing. Going to the literature this shows some diversity, varying from 15-20% reported by dental clinicians in Hong-Kong and Saudi-Arabia (Gamboa et al, 2018;Silva et al 2016a), 38% among Iraqi dental academics (Ghanim et al 2011) to approxiamtely 80% reported in Australia and Spain (Gambetta-Tessini et al 2016;Serna-Muñoz et al 2020). The only finding of a real increase and not only due to an enhanced awareness of MIH in recent years, are the reports from Australian clinicians in 2008 and 2016 (Crombie et al 2008;Gambetta-Tessini et al 2016).…”

Survival of stainless‐steel crowns and composite resin restorations in molars affected by molar‐incisor hypomineralization (MIH)

“…For restorative procedures on molars affected by MIH, the location, extent, and severity of the defect must be considered, as well as the stage of tooth eruption, associated symptoms, age, and patient behavior 8 . With regard to the most appropriate material, its choice represents a major concern for clinicians, and characteristics such as adhesion and durability are the most considered when choosing 9,10 . In addition, the greatest clinical challenges are related to the success of long‐term restorations as well as the most appropriate restoration for each case 9,10 …”

“…With regard to the most appropriate material, its choice represents a major concern for clinicians, and characteristics such as adhesion and durability are the most considered when choosing 9,10 . In addition, the greatest clinical challenges are related to the success of long‐term restorations as well as the most appropriate restoration for each case 9,10 …”

Virtual learning object for developing knowledge about the diagnosis and management of molar incisor hypomineralization

“…This is in alignment with what was expected, since paediatric dentists completed a specialty degree training prior to receiving the MIH content. MIH is gaining increasing interest among dentists, 27 whereas undergraduate students have limited knowledge about this disease.…”