Abstract
Currently, no studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of molar-incisal hypomineralization and to assess the knowledge of dentists in Kazakhstan on this issue. The study design was a cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire of 19 multiple-choice questions was administered to dentists. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analyze the data. A total of 467 dentists participated in the study. In recent years, an increase in the prevalence of MRH was noted by 77.6% of dentists. Among etiologic factors, 47.8% of dentists noted maternal diseases during pregnancy and 40.3% noted genetic factors. Of the clinical manifestations, 50.7% of dentists noted the presence of white and 32.9% yellow/brown demarcated opacities, and 16.4% of dentists noted post-eruptive destruction. Changes in the first permanent molar were noted by 43.3% of respondents. Management of these patients was a challenge for 64.2% of dentists. Choosing an adequate restorative technique (35.8%) and the durability of the restoration (29.9%) were challenging issues. Most dentists (50.7%) do not receive any information about MRG and 86.6% need information on etiology, diagnosis and treatment. In the treatment of post-eruptive enamel chipping, 67.2% of the respondents preferred composite materials. In the treatment of hypomineralized incisors, only 22.4% of respondents use minimally invasive infiltration treatments. Most dentists noted an increase in the number of cases with MRH in their clinical practice and noted that difficulties in diagnosis and treatment issues were related to a lack of awareness of these issues.