KNOWLEDGE AND TREATMENT APPROACHES TO MOLAR INCISOR HYPOMINERALIZATION (MIH) AMONG DENTISTS IN BELARUS AND IRAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY

The prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization has been steadily increasing over the past decade. The variety of clinical manifestations, the rapid destruction of hypomineralized enamel accompanied by high sensitivity of the affected teeth, and children’s fear of treatment often put dentists in a difficult position when choosing a treatment strategy. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the knowledge and treatment approaches to MIH among dentists in Belarus and Iran. Methods: An online questionnaire using Google Forms was sent to the dentists who were registered with the Belarus and Iran Dental Association and worked in Belarus and Iran through social media groups. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: 1) sociodemographic characteristics, 2) the knowledge of dentists about the etiology, diagnosis, and prevalence of MIH, and 3) treatment options and barriers for treating MIH. Results: In total, 111 dentists participated in the questionnaire, comprising 87 Belarusian dentists and 24 Iranian dentists. This response represents a response rate of (37%) from the overall pool of 300 dentists, which includes 200 Belarusian dentists and 100 Iranian dentists, (98.3%) reported that they have come across MIH cases during their practice. All pediatric dentists from Iran were 24 (100%) confident in diagnosing MIH, this was statistically higher than pediatric dentist from Belarus 84 (96.6%). The majority of Iranian pediatric dentist think that significant percentage of caries caused by MIH 19 (79.2%) and Belarusian pediatric dentist 66 (75.9%). However, nearly half of the pediatric dentists 53 (51.55%) never noticed hypomineralised lesions in second primary molar compare to first permanent molar (39 (44.8%) Belarusian pediatric dentists and 14 (58.3%) Iranian pediatric dentists). Conclusion: A majority of pediatric dentists in Iran and Belarus are familiar with the diagnosis and clinical presentation of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) affecting permanent first molars and incisors.