Lay and professional knowledge of methods for emergency management of avulsed teeth

Abstract

Proper treatment during the first 30 minutes offers the best prognosis for traumatically avulsed teeth. This study sought to determine both lay people's and dental professionals' knowledge of and attitude to emergency procedures. A 12-question survey was administered to 5 groups: (a) parents of learner swimmers and (b) coaches of college sports teams (lay); (c) State Dental Nurses, (d) dentists and (e) dental nurse/receptionists (professional). Respondents totalled 184 (a 32, b 86, c 24, d 18, e 24) i.e. 118 lay and 66 professional. Data revealed that group b had the greatest personal experience of avulsed teeth and groups c and e the least. Public hospital accident and emergency services (A & E) were perceived by all groups as most available. 18% of lay groups could not cite an emergency service. Lay people thought first of A & E for management whereas profession groups preferred the victim's own dentist. Most professional people would replant avulsed permanent teeth and about 1/3 would replant deciduous teeth: 1/2 lay people would replant permanent teeth and 1/8 deciduous teeth. Where treatment was not straightforward lay people would seek advice before acting. Half of the lay groups would transport an avulsed tooth dry. All the professionals had had advice on management of avulsed teeth but only 1/4 of the lay groups. This study highlighted the need for educational campaigns aimed at members of the lay public likely to be involved in the emergency management of traumatically avulsed teeth.

Influence of seminar and mailed guidelines on knowledge of school teachers regarding emergency treatment for dental injures

“…The current study shows that the school teachers have inadequate knowledge on the management of traumatised teeth, similar to what has been reported in previous studies (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). As children spend more time at schools it means that teachers with inadequate knowledge should provide inappropriate initial management to children who sustain dental trauma at school.…”

“…Investigations on dental trauma reveal that the lay public does not have adequate knowledge on the management of traumatised teeth (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). This information is unfavourable, because at best prompt and appropriate emergency management needs to be started by lay persons prior to the child's initial contact with a dental practitioner (6).…”

Knowledge of Teachers and Parents About Emergency Management of Dental Trauma in Children.

“…Compared with other studies: 75% (19) , 50% (20) , in our study 58.8 % of teachers reported that they would 'not replant' an avulsed tooth due to lack of knowledge, but it is also reported that teachers may be worried about how to stop the bleeding and may fear the legal consequences of incorrect management. (21) Naturally, they choose to send the child immediately to professional care.…”

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

“…Their effectiveness is the basic component and an important predictor of school effectiveness 15 . Studies have shown that irrespective of fi rst aid training, the knowledge of school teachers towards management of traumatic dental injuries was inadequate 4,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] . The prognosis of traumatized teeth depends upon the correct and prompt treatment which often relies on common people like teachers and parents present at the site of accident 4 .…”