318 - Knowledge of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization among Physicians and Dentists

Purpose: The aims of the study were to assess the knowledge of physicians and general dentists in Ontario, Canada and Saudi Arabia about MIH and its associations with antibiotics exposure during early childhood.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. The study questionnaire was distributed electronically among general physicians, pediatricians, and general dentists in Canada and Saudi Arabia. The study groups were enrolled for approximately 1 year. Chi-square test was used to compare differences in levels of knowledge between the study groups. In addition, a multiple linear regression model was used to compare the confidence levels in diagnosing MIH between the study groups, adjusting for sex and country of residence.

Results: There were 275 participants in the study; dentists (n=125), general physicians (n=69), and pediatricians (n=81). Dentists had a higher proportion of prior knowledge of MIH compared to general physicians and pediatricians (82% vs. 21% and 19%, respectively; P < .0001). The confidence level in diagnosing MIH was lower among general physicians and pediatricians compared to dentists (by 2.29 and 2.04, respectively; P < .0001) after accounting for other variables in the model. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding the association between antibiotics prescribed during the first four years of life and MIH development (P=.078).

Conclusions: Physicians generally lacked knowledge about the MIH dental condition. In addition, the majority of study participants had no knowledge about the potential association between MIH and frequent antibiotic intake during infancy and early childhood (0-4 years).