Knowledge and Diagnostic Confidence in Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Among Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess dental students’ awareness, clinical knowledge, diagnostic confi-dence, and treatment preferences regarding molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2025 among third-, fourth-, and fifth-year dental students. A total of 297 students participated. The questionnaire included 17 multiple-choice questions on demographic characteristics, aware-ness of MIH, knowledge of its etiology and clinical features, diagnostic confidence, and pre-ferred treatment options. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Overall, 94.6% of participants were aware of MIH, with a statistically significant differ-ence across academic years (p = 0.005). Correct identification of affected teeth was highest among fourth-year students (91.2%) and lowest among third-year students (59.2%) (p < 0.001). Diagnostic confidence was notably low; 18.4% of third-year students, 1.0% of fourth-year stu-dents, and none of the fifth-year students reported feeling confident in diagnosing MIH (p < 0.001). Several operative treatment preferences for teeth with enamel breakdown differed by academic year; fourth-year students reported extraction more frequently, whereas fifth-year students more commonly selected composite restorations and preformed stainless steel crowns. Over 90% of students reported the need for further education on MIH. Conclusion: Despite high levels of awareness, dental students demonstrate insufficient diagnostic confidence and inconsistent treatment approaches, which vary by academic level. Integrating more comprehensive, clinically oriented MIH training into undergraduate dental curricula could enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making.