Dental trauma management knowledge among a group of teachers in two south European cities

TLDR

Public education targeting teachers is recommended to improve dental trauma management knowledge. The study assesses teachers’ knowledge of dental trauma management in Porto and Istanbul. Seventy‑eight teachers in Porto and Istanbul completed a three‑part questionnaire, including demographics and knowledge, with 23 having prior formal dental trauma education. Most teachers (58) lacked dental trauma knowledge, and while many recognized the need for immediate emergency care, they were poorly informed about optimal storage media for avulsed teeth and the importance of tetanus vaccination.

Abstract

Abstract – The purpose of the present study is to assess the teachers’ knowledge regarding dental trauma management in two south European cities. A three‐part questionnaire comprised of questions on demographic data and knowledge was distributed to teachers in Porto and Istanbul. Seventy‐eight teachers participated in the study; 23 had previously had formal dental trauma education. From the teachers interviewed, 58 of them admitted having no knowledge of dental trauma. Concerning knowledge, 29 teachers from Porto and 12 from Istanbul thought dental trauma emergency should be dealt with immediately. Knowledge of optimal storage media for avulsed permanent teeth was especially poor. In the present study, the majority of teachers did not know the importance of tetanus vaccine control in dental trauma. It is recommended that public education targeted at teachers should be carried out to increase dental trauma management knowledge.