Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of School Teachers Regarding Dental Trauma and its Emergency Management in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A Questionnaire-Based Online Cross-Sectional Survey.

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a common occurrence in the general population, and they are one of the most severe dental public health issues among children.

AIM

This cross-sectional study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of school teachers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, regarding dental trauma and its emergency management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included teachers of elementary and middle schools both male and female in Madinah. Each teacher received a study questionnaire and was briefed about the procedure of filling it. The questionnaire contained 17 questions which are related to the knowledge, attitude, and practices relating to TDIs.

RESULTS

A total of 294 teachers participated in the present study, which includes 163 males (55.4%) and 131 females (44.6%). When we asked the respondents if an avulsed tooth may be replanted, 49.7% answered in the positive and men show more awareness compared to women. When questioned regarding the storage media, 31.3% of participants said they will store the tooth in a cloth or tissue which was the wrong answer and 60.9% of males and 39.1% of females were unaware of appropriate storage media. A percentage of 68.4 of the teachers were not willing to replant a knocked-out tooth (tooth avulsion), 59.7% of these were males, and 40.3% were females. A percentage of 59.2 of participants consider that the dental trauma is an emergency situation, while 25.9% did not consider it as an emergency situation and 15% were not aware of the same.

CONCLUSION

The majority of the participants were not aware of dental trauma and its emergency management. Children indulge in contact sports and play at schools posing the risk for a significant amount of dental trauma. Affirmative action from teachers is critical for successful treatment outcomes.