Karim Elhennawy1, Mostafa Anang2, Christian Splieth2, Katrin Bekes3, David John Manton4, Zen Hedar1, Joachim Krois5, Paul-Georg Jost-Brinkmann1, Falk Schwendicke5. 1. Department of Orthodontics, Dentofacial Orthopedics and Pedodontics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate memberof Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität, and BerlinInstitute of Health, Aßmannshauser Str. 4-6, Berlin, 14197, Germany. 2. Department of Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany. 3. Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. 4. Paediatric Dentistry and Cariology, Centrum voor Tandheelkunde en Mondzorgkunde, UMCG, A. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9700 AD, The Netherlands. 5. Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate memberof Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität, and BerlinInstitute of Health, Aßmannshauser Str. 4-6, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Knowledge of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) has relevance for paediatric dentists. AIM: To assess final-year German dental students' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding MIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A previously validated questionnaire was posted to the 31 German dental schools. Demographic covariates as well as knowledge regarding diagnosis and prevalence, and attitudes and beliefs around aetiology and management were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-two (71%) dental schools responded and a total of 877 students participated. Most (97%) were familiar with MIH and 88% were aware of the diagnostic criteria for MIH; however, only 42% knew how to implement them. One-third were able to identify MIH and 16% reported diagnostic confidence when doing so; 90% assumed the MIH prevalence to be <10%. Two-thirds of the respondents implicated genetic components as the main aetiological factor of MIH. Resin composite (60%) and preformed metal crowns (46%) were the dental materials most often suggested for restorative management. Almost all (98%) respondents were interested in receiving more clinical training. CONCLUSION: German students were familiar with MIH; however, they reported low levels of knowledge and confidence regarding its prevalence and diagnosis. Standardized nationwide, up-to-date curricula should be implemented to educate future dentists in Germany.
BACKGROUND: Knowledge of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) has relevance for paediatric dentists. AIM: To assess final-year German dental students' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding MIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A previously validated questionnaire was posted to the 31 German dental schools. Demographic covariates as well as knowledge regarding diagnosis and prevalence, and attitudes and beliefs around aetiology and management were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-two (71%) dental schools responded and a total of 877 students participated. Most (97%) were familiar with MIH and 88% were aware of the diagnostic criteria for MIH; however, only 42% knew how to implement them. One-third were able to identify MIH and 16% reported diagnostic confidence when doing so; 90% assumed the MIH prevalence to be <10%. Two-thirds of the respondents implicated genetic components as the main aetiological factor of MIH. Resin composite (60%) and preformed metal crowns (46%) were the dental materials most often suggested for restorative management. Almost all (98%) respondents were interested in receiving more clinical training. CONCLUSION: German students were familiar with MIH; however, they reported low levels of knowledge and confidence regarding its prevalence and diagnosis. Standardized nationwide, up-to-date curricula should be implemented to educate future dentists in Germany.