Dental Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH): A Survey in Vienna, Austria

Katrin Bekes,1 Kaya Melichar,1 Tanja Stamm,2 Karim Elhennawy3 1Department of Paediatric Dentistry, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; 2Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Section for Outcomes Research, Vienna, Austria; 3Department of Orthodontics, Dentofacial Orthopedics and Pedodontics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, GermanyCorrespondence: Katrin BekesDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2a, Vienna, 1090, AustriaTel +43-1-400702801Fax +43-1-400702809Email katrin.bekes@meduniwien.ac.atPurpose: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a frequently encountered dental condition worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Austrian dental students about MIH.Methods: A validated paper-based survey was distributed among 100 final year dental students at the Medical University of Vienna to assess their knowledge, perception and believes regarding MIH. One hundred dental students at the University Dental Clinic of Vienna were included in the study. At the time of the survey, they were in their 11th or 12th semester (final year). Information about the knowledge on diagnosis and prevalence, and attitudes and beliefs around etiology and management was collected.Results: All students replied, 94 questionnaires could be included in the analysis (50% female). 98% of the students were familiar with MIH and 86% were aware with the clinical features of MIH. Only 13% reported clinical ability to identify MIH. Regarding the etiology of MIH, most of the students (69%) named “genetic factors” as the most frequent etiological factor.Conclusion: Dental students showed great interest in the topic of MIH, as the majority of all respondents were in favor of deepening their knowledge regarding this topic. The students should be offered opportunities to do this both during and after their studies.Keywords: molar incisor hypomineralization, MIH, students, knowledge, beliefs, attitude