Knowledge of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization among Physicians and Dentists

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the knowledge of physicians and dentists on Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and its association with antibiotic exposure during early childhood. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. The study was electronically advertised through professional organizations with a hyperlink provided to the questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to compare differences in levels of knowledge between the study groups. Results: There were 335 participants in the study; general physicians (n=79), pediatricians (n=98) and dentists (n=158). A significantly lower proportion of general physicians (19%) and pediatricians (18%) had knowledge of molar incisor hypomineralization compared to dentists (82%, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the association between antibiotics prescribed during the first years of life and MIH development (P=0.07). Conclusions: Physicians lacked knowledge about the MIH dental condition. Most study respondents did not know the potential association between MIH and frequent antibiotic intake during early childhood.