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Background: No consensus exists on how molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) should be covered by the undergraduate dental curricula. Aim: To assess the current teaching and assessment of MIH in the UK. Design: A piloted questionnaire regarding the teaching and assessment of MIH was disseminated to paediatric, restorative and orthodontic teaching leads in each UK dental school (n = 16). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi‐squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: Response rates from paediatric, restorative and orthodontic teams were 75% (n = 12), 44% (n = 7) and 54% (n = 8), respectively. Prevention of caries, preformed metal crowns, anterior resin composites and vital bleaching were taught significantly more by paediatric teams (p =.006). Quality of life and resin infiltration were absent from restorative teaching. Orthodontic teaching focussed on the timing of first permanent molar extractions. Paediatric teams were mainly responsible for assessment. Risk factors, differential diagnoses for MIH and defining clinical features were more likely to be assessed by paediatric teams than by others (p =.006). All specialities reported that students were prepared to manage MIH. Conclusion: Molar incisor hypomineralisation is primarily taught and assessed by paediatric teams. No evidence of multidisciplinary or transitional teaching/assessment existed between specialities. Developing robust guidance regarding MIH learning in the UK undergraduate curricula may help improve consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a prevalent condition, and how it is managed varies greatly between professional groups. Aim: To explore, and compare, the UK and Australian general dental practitioners' management of MIH in children. Design: Face‐to‐face (remote) semistructured interviews were undertaken, using country‐specific topic guides. Participants were purposively sampled and recruited through national conferences and research networks (eviDent Foundation and Northern Dental Practice Based Research Network). Interviews (from each country) were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and independently analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Two major themes arose from the UK interviews: (i) decision‐making complexities and understanding of treatment options and (ii) need for specialist input. The main Australian themes were (i) multidisciplinary approach to management supporting decision‐making complexities and (ii) economic implications for care. Several difficulties, such as financial implications, multidisciplinary care and clinical decision‐making, were identified as barriers to effectively managing MIH by GDPs in primary care. Conclusion: There are similarities and differences in the knowledge and management of MIH amongst UK and Australian nonspecialists. The different healthcare systems played a significant role in shaping how GDPs manage MIH with barriers relating to affordability, multidisciplinary care and clinical decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries prevalence in children is high and inequalities are significant, with a major burden for children, families and the health system. Community water fluoridation (CWF) has been shown to be effective and it may reduce inequalities. Despite concerns, there is no evidence that CWF has any major side effects. CWF can cause mild fluorosis of the teeth, but this can be associated with an improvement in quality of life. Economic evaluations of CWF have consistently shown that CWF is cost-saving. Despite the positive evidence, implementation is limited in the UK, and this appears to be due an inconducive political environment, although this is improving. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental professionals should be aware of the benefits of CWF in order to be able to effectively advocate for its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endodontic therapies may be required in the management of compromised first permanent molar teeth; their success in children, however, is unknown. Aim: To determine the success of endodontic therapies used on first permanent molar teeth in children aged sixteen and under. Design: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane library, CENTRAL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the ISRCTN registry as well as relevant paediatric, endodontic, and traumatology journal were searched using a detailed search strategy. References of included studies were hand‐searched. A PICOS question was formulated: (P): children aged sixteen and under; (I): endodontic therapies (not pulp capping) on a first permanent molar tooth; (C): no treatment; (O): clinical success of endodontic therapy; and (S): all study types included. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane and Robins‐I risk tools. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Significant heterogeneity precluded meta‐analysis. Results: 4172 studies were retrieved and eleven were included in the narrative review. Partial and coronal pulpotomies have high success rates in the short term and long term. Limited evidence is available for conventional pulpectomy or regenerative techniques. Conclusions: Partial and coronal pulpotomies are successful endodontic therapies for use in a compromised child's first permanent molar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]