Current Perspectives on Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation Among Dental Therapists in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND

Molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a common developmental defect of enamel (DDE) seen in children. In Malaysia, dental therapists (DTs) are favourably positioned as front-liners to identify children with MIH due to their involvement with the school dental service. However, MIH is often misdiagnosed and referred to dentists in an untimely manner.

AIM: To assess awareness about MIH and aspects of continuing education, perception towards MIH, and confidence in early detection of and intervention for MIH among Malaysian DTs.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered bilingual (English and Malay) questionnaire, distributed using Google Forms to DTs working in the public dental service in Sarawak, Malaysia. Data were transferred to SPSS software and analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In total, 176 DTs responded, with 64.8% indicating that they had encountered teeth with MIH. However, 60.2% were unsure whether the incidence of MIH has increased in the period of their practice. In total, 31.3% reported receiving information regarding MIH and 79.5% were keen for further training. Whilst 29.0% and 23.9% felt confident detecting and managing MIH teeth respectively, 37.5% felt confident in providing care for children with MIH.

CONCLUSION

The Malaysian DTs' level of awareness about MIH was low and a majority were keen to receive continuing education on MIH. Although the majority of DTs had a positive perception towards MIH, most of them were not confident in the early detection of and intervention for MIH.