AlAnood AlAnezi, Manal Al Halabi, Iyad Hussein, Anas Salami, Eman Alnuaimi, Mawlood Kowash
While theoretical awareness of MIH was generally adequate among dental practitioners in Dubai, clinical confidence and management skills were notably stronger among PDs. These findings underscore the need for targeted MIH education and training, particularly within undergraduate programs and continuing professional development initiatives, to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.
BACKGROUND: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) poses notable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for dental professionals. A comprehensive understanding of MIH among general dental practitioners (GDPs) and pediatric dentists (PDs) is critical to enhancing clinical outcomes in affected children.
AIM: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge, clinical management approaches, and self-reported confidence in treating MIH among GDPs and PDs practicing in Dubai.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among licensed GDPs and PDs in Dubai. The study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines for observational research. A total of 126 participants completed a validated questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 84%. The questionnaire assessed participants' demographics, knowledge of MIH epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and clinical management.
RESULTS: Of the respondents, 74.5% (n = 76) were female, with the majority aged 25-34 years (44.4%, n = 56). Approximately 31% (n = 42) had less than 5 years of clinical experience. PDs demonstrated significantly higher mean scores than GDPs across all domains: theoretical knowledge (86.46 vs 67.34), clinical management (70.63 vs 55.16), and overall MIH knowledge (77.66 vs 60.57), indicating greater competence and confidence in managing MIH cases.
CONCLUSION: While theoretical awareness of MIH was generally adequate among dental practitioners in Dubai, clinical confidence and management skills were notably stronger among PDs. These findings underscore the need for targeted MIH education and training, particularly within undergraduate programs and continuing professional development initiatives, to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: AlAnezi A, Al-Halabi M, Hussein I, et al. General and Pediatric Dentists' Knowledge and Clinical Management of Molar-incisor Hypomineralization in Dubai: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(8):1023-1029.