Abstract
AimThe 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.MethodsAn 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%.ResultsReplies 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.ConclusionAll 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.
Highlights
Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a highly prevalent condition
MIH is characterised by qualitative enamel defects in one or more of the first permanent molars (FPM), frequently associated with affected incisors
Our sample was found to be representative for dental clinicians employed in the Public Dental Service (PDS) in Norway regarding both sex and age (Statistics Norway, Dental Health)
Summary
Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a highly prevalent condition. A worldwide estimate is 17.5 million new cases each year (Schwendicke et al 2018) with a global prevalence ranging from 2.4 to 40.2% (Zhao et al 2018). In Norway a prevalence of 13.9% is reported (Schmalfuss et al 2016). MIH is characterised by qualitative enamel defects in one or more of the first permanent molars (FPM), frequently associated with affected incisors. Hypersensitivity, post-eruptive breakdown of enamel and the development of dental caries are clinically problematic (Weerheijm and Mejàre 2003; Elhennawy and Schwendicke 2016; Americano et al 2017; Lygidakis et al 2010). There is an aesthetic burden and MIH has been reported to negatively affect children’s general health, quality of life and psychosocial well-being. There is an aesthetic burden and MIH has been reported to negatively affect children’s general health, quality of life and psychosocial well-being. (Jälevik and Klingberg 2012; Lygidakis et al 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
