Knowledge about tooth avulsion and its management among dental assistants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

BackgroundStudies evaluating dental assistants’ knowledge about tooth avulsion and its management are rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about tooth avulsion and its management among dental assistants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and to assess its relationship with their educational background.MethodsA convenience sampling methodology was employed for sample selection. Over a period of four months starting in February, 2013, 691 pretested 17-item questionnaires were distributed. A total of 498 questionnaires were returned for an overall response rate of 72.1%. Six questions were related to knowledge about permanent tooth avulsion and one question was related to knowledge about primary tooth avulsion. Correct answers to these questions were assigned one point each, and based on this scoring system, an overall knowledge score was calculated. An analysis of covariance was used to test the association between the level of knowledge (total score) and the educational qualifications of the respondents (dental degree and others). A P-value of 0.05 was considered the threshold for statistical significance.ResultsThe majority of the respondents (n = 387; 77.7%) were non-Saudis (377 were from the Philippines), and 79.1% (n = 306) of the Filipinos had a dental degree. The question about recommendations for an avulsed tooth that is dirty elicited the highest number of correct responses (n = 444; 89.2%), whereas the question about the best storage media elicited the lowest number of correct responses (n = 192; 38.6%). The overall mean score for knowledge about tooth avulsion was 6.27 ± 1.74. The mean knowledge score among the respondents with a dental degree was 6.63 ± 1.37, whereas that among the respondents with other qualifications was 5.71 ± 2.08.ConclusionsThe educational qualifications of the surveyed dental assistants were strongly correlated with the level of knowledge about tooth avulsion and its management.

Evaluation of elementary education teachers’ knowledge on avulsion and tooth replantation

“…The restoration of a fractured tooth must have a satisfactory level in relation to aesthetics, because even in cases of simple fractures, there is need for appropriate follow-up, since the prognosis of crown fractures depends not only on an accurate diagnosis, but also on appropriate restorative procedures [30]. The treatment of traumatic dental injuries is an important health promotion strategy that can significantly prevent negative biological and social impacts [19,33].…”

“…W hereas a favorable prognosis for av ulsed / replanted depends significantly on the triad time the tooth remained outside the mouth, storage and appropriate transport medium, and minimal aggression to the root surface, knowledge of the emergency care of traumatic injuries is essential for tooth reestablishment and permanence in the mouth [19,29,32,35].…”

“…Nevertheless, several studies show the unpreparedness of them to properly handle the situation [19,22,23,29].…”

“…So, there will be a positive interaction in health promotion and prevention of post-traumatic complications. Halawany et al [19] found that well-qualified teachers are better able to make the right decisions in the management of emergencies related to tooth avulsion.…”

Knowledge and Practice of Saudi Civilians towards Management of Dental Trauma and Avulsed Tooth

“…In regard to the education, the great majority of the participants in the present study were with university level and this fact affect the generation of relatively specific findings. It was found that educational qualifications and preceding advice or education about tooth avulsion were positively correlated with the level of knowledge about tooth avulsion and its management [19]. However, a number of studies have been published during the recent years showing insufficiency of care of traumatic dental injuries which might be due to insufficient knowledge on how to manage dental trauma on community base.…”