Molar incisor hypomineralisation: experience and perceived challenges among dentists specialising in paediatric dentistry and a group of general dental practitioners in the UK.

AIM: To assess the views and experience of the UK dentists specialising in paediatric dentistry (trainees) about molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and compare the findings with the responses from a group of UK general dental practitioners. METHOD: A web-based questionnaire was sent to dentists undergoing specialist training in paediatric dentistry. The same questionnaire was completed by a group of general dentists who stated an interest in treating children, with various levels of experience. The questionnaire sought information on clinical experience and the views of the dentists on the impact of MIH on children and families. RESULTS: Specialty trainees (37) from different paediatric dental departments in the UK completed the online survey, giving a total response rate of 71%. The questionnaire was also completed by 31 general dental practitioners. There was difficulty in distinguishing MIH from other conditions for both groups. Increased sensitivity of affected teeth was the most frequently encountered problem with 51% of the trainees and 76% of the dentists saying this was often or always a challenge. The trainees were particularly concerned about the pain children experienced and about the appearance of the condition. Both groups felt that parental anxiety occurred in almost all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups felt that MIH presents several clinical challenges and has a negative effect on the quality of life of the affected children and their families. There were significant differences in the views and perceptions between the two groups.

The role of paediatricians in oral health of preschool children in the United Kingdom: a national survey of paediatric postgraduate specialty trainees.

AIM: There is little information available about oral health knowledge of paediatricians in the UK. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, training and attitudes of postgraduate (PG) paediatric trainees regarding oral health and determine the willingness to play an active role in promotion of better dental health in preschool children. METHODS: A web-based anonymous survey of PG paediatric trainees was sent to all 3,180 registered PG specialty trainees through their E-Portfolio by the Education and Training Support Team of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. RESULTS: A total of 479 PG speciality trainees at different levels of training completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 15 %. Seven questions assessed the related training and attitudes of the PG specialty trainees towards their role in children's oral health. 96 % of respondents found the amount of training in oral health too little and 95 % responded they had not received any teaching during their training. Although 74 % of participants agreed that paediatricians should assess children's oral health, 61 % rated their ability as below average. The last three questions inquired about more specific oral health knowledge. Regarding recommended fluoride concentration in children's toothpastes in the UK, only 20 % of the PG specialty trainees responded correctly according to the current Department of Heath guidelines that it should be 1,000 ppm or more. CONCLUSIONS: Although the surveyed PG specialty trainees overwhelmingly believed they should play an active part in promoting better oral health for young children, a reported lack of training and up-to-date information appears to limit their role in education of parents and prevention of oral disease at an early stage.

Prevalence of inducible clindamycin resistance in macrolide-resistant Staphylococcus spp.

Between January 2002 and December 2003, macrolide-resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (n = 45) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; n = 75) from a Greek hospital were examined phenotypically for inducible clindamycin resistance. The constitutive macrolide resistance phenotype predominated (60%) in S. aureus, followed by the inducible (35%) and the clindamycin-susceptible (5%) phenotypes. In CoNS, the inducible phenotype was more common than the constitutive phenotype (50% vs. 41%). There was a significant incidence of inducible clindamycin resistance, and screening of all staphylococci is necessary in order to differentiate inducibly resistant isolates from those that are truly sensitive.