Knowledge and Attitude of Primary School Teachers toward Tooth Avulsion and Dental First Aid in Davangere City: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Aim of the study Traumatic dental injuries including avulsed tooth is a tragic and ignored problem among school children. As children spend much of their time in schools, school teachers form the group who commonly supervise the physical activity of the children, so awareness about avulsed tooth emergency management among school teachers is an important concept for long-term success and to prevent its future consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding tooth avulsion and dental first aid among primary school teachers in Davangere city.MethodsThe study was performed by administering a self-designed questionnaire on a sample of 300 primary school teachers.ResultsSixty-eight percent of the school teachers (government, semi-aided and aided schools) admitted the possibility of an avulsed tooth to be replanted and thirty-two percent had no idea on tooth replantation and only twenty-three percent of the teachers knew the procedures taken in cases of avulsed teeth. Seventy-seven percent of all teachers did not feel the possibility of tooth replantation.ConclusionThere is poor knowledge in the management of avulsed teeth among the school teachers of Davangere city. They do not feel capable of replanting an avulsed tooth. As one of the child supervisors, all the school teachers should have the basic knowledge to recognize oral emergencies and regarding conservation of avulsed teeth to prevent its consequences in the child’s future.

Knowledge and attitude towards dental trauma management among primary school teachers

“…Lack of training on dental emergencies among school teachers is also found from other previously published studies. [8][9][10] In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health runs a continuous dental education under school dental programs where the dental team conducts various oral health promotion activities such as dental checkups and talk at school. Yet, little is known to which extent dental trauma topic is covered throughout the program.…”

Teachers’ knowledge concerning dental trauma and its management in primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“…Studies conducted in several countries (the United Arab Emirates, India, China, Brazil) concluded that there is a lack of knowledge among primary schoolteachers in managing traumatic dental injuries, especially tooth avulsion. Only one study was conducted in Riyadh, which had a sample size of 277 from 24 schools …”

Dental trauma in social media—Analysis of Facebook content and public engagement

“…7,8 Every 60 seconds on Facebook, 510 000 comments are posted, 293 000 statuses are updated, and 136 000 photographs are uploaded. 16,17 As patients can, and do, consult social media for healthcare-related information, the aim of this study was to assess the type of information on dental trauma that is presented on Facebook as well as to evaluate public engagement with that information. 14,15 Previous studies have demonstrated an inadequate level of public knowledge and awareness with regard to prevention and management of dental trauma.…”

“…14,15 Previous studies have demonstrated an inadequate level of public knowledge and awareness with regard to prevention and management of dental trauma. 16,17 As patients can, and do, consult social media for healthcare-related information, the aim of this study was to assess the type of information on dental trauma that is presented on Facebook as well as to evaluate public engagement with that information. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the content about dental trauma on a social media website.…”