Knowledge and management of hypomineralisation of second primary molars among Brazilian dentists: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the knowledge, diagnostic ability, and clinical management of hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM) among Brazilian dentists.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 283 Brazilian dentists (179 paediatric dentists and 104 non-paediatric dentists) using a structured online questionnaire. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, knowledge of HSPM, and clinical management across four scenarios of increasing severity (mild asymptomatic, mild with hypersensitivity, severe with post-eruptive breakdown, and HSPM associated with caries). Bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression were performed to compare groups and identify factors associated with diagnostic difficulty (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Overall familiarity with HSPM was high (91.9%); however, paediatric dentists were significantly more likely to differentiate it from other enamel defects than non-paediatric dentists (79.9% vs. 43.3%; p < 0.001). In the regression model, dental specialty was the only factor associated with diagnostic difficulty, with non-paediatric dentists showing higher odds of reporting uncertainty (OR = 4.69; 95% CI 2.56-8.56; p < 0.001). Clinical management followed a severity-based pattern, shifting from preventive approaches in mild cases to restorative interventions in more advanced conditions. Differences between groups were observed across several treatment options.

CONCLUSION

Although overall awareness of HSPM was high, differences in diagnostic confidence and clinical management were observed according to professional background.