192 - Current Best Practice and Standardized Protocol for Pediatric Dentists in Treating Molar Hypomineralization

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate current best practices in treating Molar Hypomineralization (MH), gather baseline data on knowledge of novel treatment methods, and to standardize treatment of MH.

Methods: A 15 item survey was mailed to 9000 AAPD members to identify best practice and factors influencing treatment of mild, moderate, severe MH.

Results: Out of 455 surveys (5%) returned, 40.2 % pediatric dentists had < 10 years of experience and 59.8 % >10 years, with 62% of practitioners seeing MH. Providers with >10 years saw MIH more frequently (P=0.034) and post-eruptive breakdown (P=.001). Allowing multiple selection of treatment modalities, glass ionomer (RMGI/GI); fissure sealants (FS); and resin composite (RC); from highest to lowest respectively were the top preferred for mild MH. Subsequently, RMGI/GI; RC; Stainless steel crown (SSC); were preferred for moderate. Lastly, SSC; extraction; RMGI/GI; were preferred for severe. Primary reason for selection was patient cooperation (47%), others including cost, time, longevity, patient age. Only 14.7% reported being very familiar with RI and 86.4% reported there is a need for standardized protocol.

Conclusion: For Mild MH, treatment of choice was RMGI/GI; Moderate was RMGI/GI; Severe was SSC. Due to known positive factors including moisture control, fluoride release, and chemical bonding, providers often preferred RMGI/GI. Full coverage restoration was preferred for severe MH. Due to benefits of using RI in reducing hypersensitivity in mild/moderate MH and benefits of longevity in using ceramic full coverage restorations, more research needs to be done in such novel restorative methods.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by the Institutional Review Board of One Brooklyn Health System and Department of Pediatric Dental Medicine at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center