Poliklinik für Kieferorthopädie, Präventive Zahnmedizin und Kinderzahnheilkunde
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- Dental fluorosis (1)
- Epidemiology (1)
- Molar incisor hypomineralization (1)
- Tooth erosion (1)
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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.
Non-carious dental lesions such as developmental defects of enamel (DDE) and erosive tooth wear (ETW) are the subject of intensive research. This paper aims to give perspectives on both DDE, including dental fluorosis and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and ETW, presenting epidemiological data from the Americas and associated diagnostic aspects. Besides, it is important to present evidence to guide the clinical assessment process, supporting the clinicians’ management decisions towards better oral health of their patients. The overall increase in the worldwide prevalence of non-carious lesions discussed in this this paper may reflect the need of perceptual changes. Although the number of publications related to these conditions has been increasing in the last years, there is still a need for clinical diagnostic and management awareness to include these conditions in routine dental practice. Besides, it is important to provide recommendations for standardized clinical assessment criteria, improving the process and helping clinicians’ adherence. In this sense, this paper discusses the most commonly implemented indices for each condition. Thus, despite the wide range of diagnostic indices, BEWE is proposed to be the index recommended for ETW assessment, Dean or Thylstrup & Fejerskov indices for fluorosis and preferably the EAPD criteria (or modified DDE index) for MIH. Overall, non-carious lesions are a growing concern, and it is important to implement preventive measures that control their severity and progression, and accurate diagnosis by the dental clinician.