Knowledge of General Dental Practitioners and Specialists about Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Context. Studies about knowledge of emergency management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) which affect children by general dental practitioners (GDPs) and specialists in Saudi Arabia are lacking. Aim. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge level of GDPs and specialists about TDI emergency management and its relation with demographic variables in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods. A random sample of 239 GDPs and specialists was given a two-part questionnaire; the first part included demographic questions and the second part included questions related to knowledge of emergency management of luxation (intrusion and extrusion), complicated crown fracture, and avulsion injuries. Data was statistically analyzed using chi-square and ordinal logistic regression tests. The significance was set at P<0.05. Results. The mean knowledge score was 5.57 for GDPs and 6.69 for specialists (out of 12). A significant difference was observed between both groups in the management of avulsion injury. Three factors significantly improved the dentists’ knowledge: gender (female), practice type (specialist), and previous experience of encountered TDIs (P<0.05). Conclusions. GDPs and specialists in Qassim region had moderate knowledge of emergency management of TDIs. Specialists were significantly more knowledgeable than GDPs in the management of avulsion injury when compared to the rest of the injuries.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Traumatic Dental Injuries among Saudi Dental Students: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, their knowledge regarding the management of extrusive luxation did not seem to be satisfactory, as only 35% of participants knew the correct management, and only 26.7% of participants knew the correct management of lateral luxation injury. Such findings coincide with those of the study of Al-Haj Ali et al, who reported inadequate knowledge of general practitioners and dental specialists regarding the management of luxation injuries [14].…”

“…International Journal of Dentistry low to moderate, with an overall mean knowledge score of 3.421 ± 0.49. Similarly, many previous studies have reported the lack of knowledge about the management of dental trauma among dental practitioners [12][13][14][15]. e results also revealed that gender and the year of study had no significant effect on the mean knowledge score.…”

“…ere are many studies conducted in several countries that showed that dental practitioners lack the adequate knowledge of emergency treatment of TDIs [12][13][14][15]. However, to our knowledge, studies on the assessment of dental students' knowledge and attitude toward the managements of TDIs are lacking.…”

An Assessment of the Knowledge of Dentists on the Emergency Management of Avulsed Teeth

“…In the studies conducted in two different regions of Nepal, the dentists were asked the following question: ''Should the avulsed teeth be replanted?” to which 86%, and 31% of the participating dentists replied: “No” ( 11 , 18 ). In similar studies conducted in China and Saudi Arabia, the rates of the “No” answer were 87% and 85% respectively ( 17 , 23 ), whereas in the present study, 92% answered “No”. Holan and Shmueli ( 19 ) in 2003, reported that 50% of the dentists in Israel told that avulsed permanent teeth should not be replanted, and 8% said that they had no idea.…”

“…However, Abu-Dawoud et al ( 7 ) and Al-Haj Ali et al . ( 23 ) reported that dentists stated that milk was the best storage medium for avulsed teeth. In the study by Upadhyay et al .…”