Knowledge and Awareness of School Teachers Regarding Emergency Management of Tooth Avulsion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the general knowledge and awareness of school teachers regarding the first aid emergency dental management of tooth avulsion in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A self-administered, anonymous, close-ended structured questionnaire was given to school teachers in Saudi Arabia. It included information regarding gender, knowledge, and awareness [three parts: basic demographic characteristics focusing on the gender (part one), questions regarding knowledge of school teachers toward emergency management of tooth avulsion (part two), and questions regarding awareness of school teachers toward emergency management of tooth avulsion (part three)]. Results: A total of 615 school teachers (58% males and 42% females) completed the questionnaire. Approximately 54.3% of the school teachers preferred to immediately refer the child to the dentist if trauma affects permanent teeth (p < 0.05), and only 2.1% opined regarding reposition of the tooth in a normal position. Another 22.9% responded that they would scrub the tooth to clean the dirt and rinse with water, while 19.7% reported that they would keep the tooth in a wet handkerchief until they reach the dentist. Conclusion: The knowledge and awareness of schoolteachers regarding the management of avulsed teeth are insufficient; thus, education programs on traumatic dental injuries are essential.