Dento-alveolar and maxillofacial injuries - a survey of knowledge of the regimental aid providers in the Israeli army.

The present study evaluated the knowledge of physicians and emergency medical technicians (EMT) regarding primary treatment for oral and maxillofacial trauma and assessed the experience they have in treating oral and maxillofacial injuries. The study population consisted of 80 military physicians and EMT during their military service. A questionnaire was distributed relating to demographic data such as age, gender, position, and type of military service, as well as past experience in treating or witnessing oral and maxillofacial trauma, former education regarding diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial trauma, assessment of knowledge regarding oral and maxillofacial trauma, etc. The questionnaire was answered by 76 participants (95% response rate): 32 physicians and 44 EMT. Only 17 (22.4%) received education regarding oral and maxillofacial trauma (eight physicians, 25% and nine EMT, 20.5%). Nevertheless, 23 (30.3%) reported witnessing such an injury during their military service. Oral and maxillofacial injuries were first seen by the EMT in 43.4% of the cases, a physician in 23.7%, and a dentist in only 9.2%. Overall, 66 (86.8%) of the physicians and EMT stated that it was important to educate the primary health care providers regarding diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial trauma. Special emphasis should be given to providing primary caregivers with the relevant education to improve their knowledge and ability of dealing with diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial trauma.