Knowledge, experience and perception regarding Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) among pediatric dentists in Manaus, Amazonas

Abstract

To assess the knowledge and perceptions about MIH among pediatric dentists, a cross-sectional study was carried out by the application of online questionnaires to 50 pediatric dentists registered at Amazonas Council of Dentistry which were divided, according to the place of work, into two groups: Group I-Private offices, university and public service of Primary Health Care and Group II -Dentistry Specialized Centers -CEOs. Most participants were female (94.0%), with a mean age of 42.3 years (±8.3) and professional experience ≥15 years. Although almost all respondents knew MIH (98%) and performed treatment in affected patients (96%), 95.9% said they were not prepared to complete the differential diagnosis, and only 4.1% were confident in defining the treatment. The most clinical challenges faced in treating a patient with MIH were the longevity of restorations (73.5%) and tooth sensitivity (63.3%). The total mean score of the professionals' knowledge was 25.9. There was no difference between the two groups' knowledge of MIH. The perception of MIH of pediatric dentists in Manaus was good. Still, there is an urgent need to clinically train dentists about MIH to ensure confidence in diagnosing this enamel defect early.