Exploring Turkish pediatric dentists' perspectives: knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice regarding molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH)

Background: Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is an important public health problem, especially in pediatric dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and behavior of pediatric dentists in Turkey about MIH diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The study included a total of 305 pediatric dentists in Turkey. A 28-item questionnaire was distributed to the study participants via social media. The questionnaire consisted of two sections, the first section elicited the sociodemographic data of the participants, and the second section assessed attitudes, behaviors and clinical experiences related to MIH. The data were collected and then analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and a chi-square test. Results: Concisely, the participants were 85% females and 15% males. Of these, 53.4% were pediatric dentists, 39.4% were specializing in pediatric dentistry, and 7.2% were doctoral students. For post-eruptive breakdown (PEB) treatment, 84.6%preferred stainless steel crowns. Conclusions: The study results showed that although Turkish pediatric dentists were familiar with MIH, they wished to have more information about the treatment of MIH and the management of clinical problems.

Molar incisal hypomineralization; Knowledge; Pediatric dentists; Questionnaire; Turkey

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