Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding molar-incisor hypomineralization among postgraduates and faculty members of K.M. Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Context: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a defect existing in the form of demarcated and opaque lesions and in severe cases with posteruptive enamel breakdown. There is a lack of knowledge, learning, and practice on MIH in pediatric dentistry. Aims: This study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitude, and practice on MIH among postgraduates and faculty members of K.M. Shah Dental College and Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Settings and Design: A questionnaire-based study was conducted among the dental staff and postgraduate students of K.M. Shah Dental College. Subjects and Methods: The questionnaire was hand-delivered to all 142 participants, and they were asked to fill it within 5 working days. The questionnaire included demographic information, prevalence, incidence, and severity of MIH in Vadodara City. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The data were found to be normal by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Intergroup comparison was done using the Chi-square test for proportions and percentages (qualitative data). Results: 43.3% of the respondents could not implement the clinical criteria to diagnose MIH, 92.5% of the respondents recommended to include MIH-associated case studies in the curriculum, 95% of the respondents recommended to conduct awareness programs, and 40.5% of the respondents indicated a lack of knowledge as a barrier for performing MIH management. Conclusions: There is a need for dentists to attend continuing dental education programs and various awareness programs on MIH and to introduce in-depth information on MIH-etiology and its treatment into the dental curriculum.