Rodney J Vergotine1, Robert Govoni. 1. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, The University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. rodney@uic.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare the level of knowledge of physical education teachers/athletic coaches (PETs) and academic teachers (ATs) regarding dental trauma management. METHODS: Surveys were sent to all high schools (17) and all middle schools (23) in the Milwaukee public school system. All PETs and approximately 20 ATs at each school were invited to participate. The survey evaluated knowledge of dental trauma management via two case scenarios. RESULTS: Survey was completed by 140 ATs and 119 PETs. For the urgency of treatment for tooth fractures 81% of ATs and 53% of PETs responded correctly, a significant difference (P < .0001). With regards to avulsions, 56% of ATs and 46% of PETs responded that immediate professional assistance was needed. Only 7% of PETs would replant an avulsed tooth compared with 12% of ATs, a difference that was significant (P = .0062). Milk was chosen as a transportation medium for an avulsed tooth by 25% of ATs and 23% of PETs. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge regarding the initial management of dental trauma was low for both groups. Educational campaigns regarding dental trauma should be targeted at all teachers.
OBJECTIVES: To compare the level of knowledge of physical education teachers/athletic coaches (PETs) and academic teachers (ATs) regarding dental trauma management. METHODS: Surveys were sent to all high schools (17) and all middle schools (23) in the Milwaukee public school system. All PETs and approximately 20 ATs at each school were invited to participate. The survey evaluated knowledge of dental trauma management via two case scenarios. RESULTS: Survey was completed by 140 ATs and 119 PETs. For the urgency of treatment for tooth fractures 81% of ATs and 53% of PETs responded correctly, a significant difference (P < .0001). With regards to avulsions, 56% of ATs and 46% of PETs responded that immediate professional assistance was needed. Only 7% of PETs would replant an avulsed tooth compared with 12% of ATs, a difference that was significant (P = .0062). Milk was chosen as a transportation medium for an avulsed tooth by 25% of ATs and 23% of PETs. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge regarding the initial management of dental trauma was low for both groups. Educational campaigns regarding dental trauma should be targeted at all teachers.