Knowledge of School Teachers Regarding Dental Injuries and Emergency Treatment

Objectives: Since most dental injuries in children occur at home or at school, emergency management will probably be given by lay people. The knowledge of teachers regarding this subject can be of significant value to the prognosis. The objectives were to assess the knowledge of elementary school teachers with regards to dental injuries and emergency treatment, the source of this information, and the demand for additional education in dental trauma. Methods: A three part questionnaire regarding demographics, attitude and knowledge about dental injuries and their management was distributed to teachers in 12 elementary schools in the Tel Aviv area. Questionnaires were scored and analyzed using Student's t-test, chi-square, and ANOVA. Results: Of the 240 questionnaires, 164 (68%) responded (153 women – 93%, 11 men – 6.7%). There were 18 (11%) physical education teachers, and 138 (84%) had children. First aid courses were given to 126 (76.8%) teachers as part of their education, but only 6 (3.7%) received instruction in dental injuries. Previous experience was reported by 72 (43.9%). The main source of knowledge was from dentists. The average knowledge score was 4.59 on a 0-10 scale. Three predictors improved the respondents' score: 35-49 years of age (p=0.049, being parents (p=0.002), and having previous experience in dental trauma (p=0.049). There was a positive correlation between satisfaction and self-assessed knowledge and actual knowledge (0.000). No correlation was found between demand for further and actual knowledge. Lack of information was reported by 64.6%, but only 42% showed interest in additional information. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding emergency management was inadequate. During teachers' training, little knowledge was given and little demand for more knowledge was shown. The addition of educational programs to teacher training and periodical reinforcement could improve their management of injuries and contribute to the prognosis.