Knowledge about emergency management of dental trauma among school teachers of Bhaktapur Nepal

Abstract

Background: Injury to a young child's teeth and face is a traumatic experience for the child and parents. Prompt and effective action on traumatized teeth signifi cantly increases the likelihood of a positive treatment outcome. Adequate knowledge of school teachers in emergency situation arising during school hours can prove to be a boon for the child's oral health. Objectives: To assess the knowledge of school teachers of Bhaktapur about emergency management of dental trauma and also to measure the relationship between socio demographic characteristic of teachers and knowledge about dental emergencies. Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted among 424 schools teachers of Bhaktapur district from September 2014 to March 2015. Simple random sampling was done to select the schools. Questionnaire was distributed among the teachers after taking their informed written consent. Data was collected and sent for statistical evaluation. Frequencies and percentage were calculated. Chi-square and Fisher's Exact test were applied. Results: Nearly one third (32.2%) teachers who had information on dental trauma knew the proper management of displaced teeth (p=0.01). Statistically signifi cant difference was found among those who had fi rst aid training and proper management of displaced teeth (p=0.04). Teachers who had experienced dental trauma in their students were only confi dent of managing displacement of traumatized teeth (p=0.02). Conclusion: Knowledge of the school teachers in Bhaktapur was seen to be inadequate for emergency management of fracture and avulsed tooth.

Behavior of parents and educators following traumatic injury to young permanent teeth of children in Joinville, Santa Catarina

“…When answering questions regarding the best storage medium for a dental fragment, it was shown that 44.1% of the interviewees did not know how to store a part of a fractured tooth and 30.7% reported that they would store it in physiological saline, similar to the findings mentioned by Pradhan et al [9]. The majority (53.1%) did not know the necessary means to transport the traumatized tooth.…”

“…Dental injuries due to trauma have become a health problem due to their high incidence and need for a complex approach, often necessitating emergency management [3]. Dental trauma can range from a small enamel fracture to a maxillofacial fracture, may involve supporting structures, and may include displacement or avulsion of the teeth [9]. The avulsion of permanent teeth is one of the most serious lesions that can occur, and its prognosis is directly linked to the measures taken at the site of the accident.…”

Delayed replantation of avulsed permanent maxillary central incisor: Case report with 6‐year follow‐up

“…17 A study conducted by Pradhan et al among the Nepalese school teachers also revealed that the participants lacked adequate knowledge about emergency management of dental trauma. 18 In the present case also, the patient reported to the hospital after 72 h of avulsion as she lived in remote area where health care facility and manpower for management of avulsion cases were not available. The patient did not have knowledge about the emergency management of the avulsed tooth, so the avulsed tooth was kept in dry field for 72 h, which ultimately led to compromise in the post-replantation outcome.…”

“…A study conducted by Pradhan et al. among the Nepalese school teachers also revealed that the participants lacked adequate knowledge about emergency management of dental trauma 18 . In the present case also, the patient reported to the hospital after 72 h of avulsion as she lived in remote area where health care facility and manpower for management of avulsion cases were not available.…”