Perception, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Among Spanish Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study.
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.
Figure 1
Figure 2
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
Posted 27 May, 2020
On 18 Sep, 2020
On 18 Sep, 2020
On 27 Jun, 2020
Received 23 Jun, 2020
Received 13 Jun, 2020
On 10 Jun, 2020
On 30 May, 2020
Invitations sent on 29 May, 2020
On 19 May, 2020
On 18 May, 2020
On 18 May, 2020
On 15 May, 2020
Perception, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Among Spanish Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study.
Posted 27 May, 2020
On 18 Sep, 2020
On 18 Sep, 2020
On 27 Jun, 2020
Received 23 Jun, 2020
Received 13 Jun, 2020
On 10 Jun, 2020
On 30 May, 2020
Invitations sent on 29 May, 2020
On 19 May, 2020
On 18 May, 2020
On 18 May, 2020
On 15 May, 2020
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.
Figure 1
Figure 2