Molar-incisor hypomineralisation: Knowledge and perception of Syrian undergraduate and postgraduate dental students

Knowledge, awareness and attitudes among a group of Turkish dental students regarding molar incisor hypomineralization: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is estimated to affect more than 800 million people worldwide. The clinical management of MIH can be challenging. For dentists, to provide effective and high-quality dental care to people affected by MIH, it is essential that they improve their awareness, ability to describe the clinical situation, and knowledge of treatment modalities. Previous surveys conducted with students showed that only a limited number are confident in diagnosing MIH. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical knowledge and perceptions of 4th- and 5th-year dental students regarding the distribution, severity, etiology and treatment modalities of MIH.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 194 students studying in the 4th- (85 students) and 5th- (109 students) years participated in the survey. The survey had 23 questions and two sections, the first of which was intended to gather demographic information about the students. The second part consisted of questions about the diagnosis, etiology, and treatment of MIH. The independent t test and the chi-square test was used to compare qualitative data.

RESULTS

The majority of students (78.87%) stated that they had known about MIH. 5th-year students had known about MIH at a statistically significantly higher rate compared to 4th-year students (p = 0.0001). While only 19.69% of the participants stated that they could diagnose a patient with MIH, the proportion of 5th-year students who could make such a diagnosis was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.0001). The majority of the participants (96.39%) stated that they wanted MIH-related practices to be included more in their clinical education. The most desired topic to be included was diagnosis (91.98%).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed that students have some knowledge about MIH, but this knowledge is not sufficient, especially in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The students clearly wanted to develop their knowledge of MIH both theoretically and practically.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: A Survey of Dental Students from Polish Medical Universities

BACKGROUND

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a congenital qualitative disorder of the enamel tissue. During examinations, clinicians may observe a range of enamel opacities during examinations. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental students in Poland regarding MIH.

METHODS

This study was conducted among dental students who participated in scientific conferences for dental students in Poland. An electronic questionnaire was created for this purpose, accessible via a QR code.

RESULTS

The respondents consisted of dental students from the first to the fifth year of study, including 98 fourth-year students and 76 fifth-year students. The students represented 10 medical universities in Poland. Of the 341 respondents, 256 (75.07%) stated that they were familiar with the term MIH, but only 61 (17.89%) correctly indicated the diagnostic criteria of MIH. The most frequently indicated condition resembling MIH was enamel hypoplasia, with 158 (46.33%) respondents identifying it.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental students at Polish medical universities have basic knowledge of MIH, but it is insufficient and needs to be improved during their educational training.

Molar incisor hypomineralisation: Teaching and assessment across the undergraduate dental curricula in the UK

BACKGROUND

No consensus exists on how molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) should be covered by the undergraduate dental curricula.

AIM

To assess the current teaching and assessment of MIH in the UK.

DESIGN

A piloted questionnaire regarding the teaching and assessment of MIH was disseminated to paediatric, restorative and orthodontic teaching leads in each UK dental school (n = 16). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

Response rates from paediatric, restorative and orthodontic teams were 75% (n = 12), 44% (n = 7) and 54% (n = 8), respectively. Prevention of caries, preformed metal crowns, anterior resin composites and vital bleaching were taught significantly more by paediatric teams (p = .006). Quality of life and resin infiltration were absent from restorative teaching. Orthodontic teaching focussed on the timing of first permanent molar extractions. Paediatric teams were mainly responsible for assessment. Risk factors, differential diagnoses for MIH and defining clinical features were more likely to be assessed by paediatric teams than by others (p = .006). All specialities reported that students were prepared to manage MIH.

CONCLUSION

Molar incisor hypomineralisation is primarily taught and assessed by paediatric teams. No evidence of multidisciplinary or transitional teaching/assessment existed between specialities. Developing robust guidance regarding MIH learning in the UK undergraduate curricula may help improve consistency.