Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: A Survey of awareness and management strategies among dental practitioners in Benghazi. Libya

Abstract

Aims and objectives The aim of this study was to investigate awareness of MIH and its management among dental practitioners. Materials and Methods Across sectional study design was adopted to run a questionnaire-based survey of dentists in Benghazi, between January and April 2021.The participants were drawn from all dentists practicing in city of Benghazi in both private and public dental clinics as well as dental interns at the faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi and Libyan Medical University. The questionnaire used in the present was handled to participants in their practices. The questionnaire covered knowledge about and awareness of MIH as well as treatment concerns and restorative materials options. The data was analyzed using SPSS 25 software. All statistical tests were conducted at value of 0.05. Results A total of 389 responses out of 500 questionnaires distributed, were received giving a response rate of 79.9%. The majority were females (85%,332) and dentists (73.8%,287). The most commonly reported dental practices were public settings (28.8%,112). Although the majority of respondents indicated familiarity with hypomineralized teeth, they encounter these lesions very often in their practice. Most of respondents are not aware of the prevalence of MIH in Libya, but consider MIH a clinical problem, mainly caused by genetic factors and affect esthetics and diagnosis. A performed crowns and Glass ionomer Cements were the most commonly used materials. Conclusions The current study shows that MIH is a condition commonly encountered the Libyan dental practice. Continuing education courses on MIH condition are required to ensure high -quality care for children with MIH affected teeth.