Schoolteachers' knowledge: Emergency management of dental avulsion from sports injuries

Objective: Rugby, a passion of Fiji is enjoyed and played by most age groups. Improper technique, gear and accidents in the game lead to injuries like tooth avulsion. There is no data on reported cases of tooth avulsion; however the purpose of this study was to find out the knowledge that Physical Education (PE) teachers in and around Suva (capital) area of Fiji have on tooth avulsion and its management in sports oriented schools. Method: Pre tested Questionnaires free from jargon were delivered to 15 secondary and 15 primary schools selected randomly around Suva. A total of 54 (90%) teachers out of 60 responded, 27 (54%) respondents came across a child with an avulsed tooth related to sports. Results: Concerning the management of dental avulsion, 23 (42.6%) indicated dentist referral, 19(35.2%) indicated informing parents, 7(13.0%) indicated physician referral, 3 (5.6%) felt nothing could be done, while 1(1.9%) was unsure and only 1(1.9%) indicated placing the tooth back in the socket, which is the current appropriate management of an avulsed tooth before referral to a dentist. On the aspect of the transporting medium for an avulsed tooth, 22 (40.7%) indicated tap water, 10 (18.5%) indicated clean plastic bag, 6(11.1%) indicated ice, 10 (18.5%) where unsure and only 6(11.1%) indicated milk which is the current practice. Nevertheless, 49(90.7%) thought the current training for teachers on tooth avulsion management was negligible and proposed improvement, whereas 5 (9.3%) felt otherwise. On use of mouth-guards 46(85.2%) recommended it compulsory in physical contact sports where as 8(14.8%) didn't see the necessity. Conclusion: This study in the central division of Fiji showed that the PE Teachers' knowledge on the management of tooth avulsion was insufficient and an educational promotion is urgently necessary.