To take part please email: rachel.osborne6@nhs.net

Qualitative study exploring general dental practitioner’s views of MIH and its management in UK and Australia

Background:

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) was first defined as a distinct clinical entity in 2001. MIH is a common dental condition leading to qualitative enamel defects that presents in childhood as a result of abnormal development of the teeth. Areas of well demarcated hypomineralised enamel affect one or more first permanent molar teeth. The affected enamel is porous and weakened leading to increased susceptibility to caries, sensitivity and post-eruptive breakdown on eruption and exposure to masticatory forces. The condition can also cause opacities/discolouration, sensitivity and less commonly structural loss on anterior teeth.

Children with MIH affected teeth can be impacted both functionally, aesthetically and psychosocially. Management of this condition presents several challenges to the dental team as there is limited evidence to support whether to restore or extract these teeth.  MIH clinical guidelines have been published by expert groups such as EAPD. However, management of the condition is thought to vary considerably both within and between countries. Societal, cultural and health service factors are thought to impact treatment approaches in different settings and locations.

Aim:

To explore knowledge and attitudes of general dental practitioners in the UK and Australia regarding their views and experiences of managing molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), compare findings and determine challenges and barriers to care and treatment planning from a general dental practitioners’point of view from 2 different countries.

Objectives:

• To explore experiences of GDPs managing MIH
• To identify and explore barriers to MIH management
• To explore confidence of managing MIH by general dental practitioners
• To be able to compare the knowledge and attitudes of GDPs, between Australia and UK where provision of dental care varies significantly

We would like to carry out semi-structured interviews to explore views on knowledge and experience in managing MIH in general practice and any challenges and barriers faced. The study will be conducted across UK and Australia and take no longer than 45 minutes per participant. All data collected will be anonymised.

Interviews will be conducted on Zoom.