Treatment of dento-alveolar trauma: knowledge evaluation from southern Brazilian dentists

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate through a specific survey the knowledge of dentists on dental trauma in Southern Brazil regarding their conduct facing some dental trauma injuries. Methods: A survey with five personal and five specific questions on knowledge about dental trauma was carried out with all dentists regularly registered in Pelotas, Brazil (n=276). The data was submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and associations were tested by Chi-square test (p≥0.05). Results: There were a higher number of dentists with up to 10 years since graduation (45.4%) who worked in private dental office (66.1%) and with some specialization (63.7%). Dentists with more years since graduation were associated to less knowledge on dental trauma management (p<0.001). Conclusions: The knowledge of the dentists related to dento-alveolar trauma is lowered with higher time in clinical practice. Continuing education courses should be offered to the dentists by educational institutions.

Keywords

• Tooth injuries. Knowledge. Cross sectional survey. Dentists.