As part of the 2025 scholarship programme of the Dr. Ferran Foundation, Química Clínica Aplicada, SA (QCA) has sponsored the special mention awarded to the research project “Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH), Sociodemographic Factors, Family Structure”, coordinated by Sílvia Lluís Poy, researcher from the Dentistry Group at CAP Roquetes.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is a clinical condition that causes a defect in the structure of dental enamel, affecting the first permanent molars due to an alteration in the function of ameloblasts (cells responsible for the formation and mineralisation of enamel)

during the amelogenesis period. It affects one or more first permanent molars and may also involve the incisors. The global prevalence of MIH ranges from 2.4% to 40.2%. In Spain, the estimated incidence is between 14% and 20%, depending on the region.

According to current evidence, its aetiology is multifactorial and still not fully understood. The main factors involved are genetic predisposition and conditions affecting the child during prenatal, postnatal and early childhood periods, including maternal illness during pregnancy, infections, fever, and exposure to antibiotics in early childhood. This clinical condition impacts children's health, causing pain, sensitivity, lesions, and the premature loss of affected teeth.

Acknowledging the influence of social and family factors on child development, the aim of the study is to analyse the relationship between specific sociodemographic factors and family structure with the occurrence of MIH in a group of paediatric patients treated at the dentistry service of CAP Roquetes.

The findings will enable a community-based approach to MIH, suggesting the implementation of preventive activities with a multidisciplinary focus; identifying the target population and carrying out support and educational actions for families, thus promoting early detection and alleviating the symptoms of this increasingly common and complex clinical condition in children.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the research team and express our sincere gratitude to the Dr. Ferran Foundation for its tireless work in promoting research and scientific talent.