Assessment of knowledge and awareness among medical doctors toward emergency management of dental trauma in State of Himachal Pradesh: A survey

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical doctors towards the emergency management of dental trauma in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey in which, 500 medical doctors were randomly included in the study and the participation was voluntary. Data regarding the emergency management of avulsed tooth was collected using a self-administered questionnaire having questions which were close ended. Statistical analysis was carried out. Chi-square test was used to analyze the data gathered. Results: It was found that frequency of occurrence of soft tissue injuries of the face was 83%, laceration injuries was 79%, nasal bone fracture was 66%, intraoral soft tissue injuries of the lip was 67%, avulsion was 77%, and frequency of dental trauma of maxillary central incisor was 63%. Furthermore, the frequency of respondents having the knowledge about reimplantation was 46% and frequency of respondents having knowledge about the time of reimplantation was 60%. Frequency of respondents having knowledge about the preservation of tooth for reimplantation was 51%, whereas frequency of respondents having no knowledge about the preference of preservative medium was 47%. Frequency of respondents who have not seen traumatic injuries of primary teeth was 55% and the most frequently administered first aid was tetanus injection having 67%. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that knowledge of the management of dental injuries among medical professionals/doctors was inadequate. However, appropriate training can significantly increase their knowledge.

Keywords

• Dental trauma
• frequency
• medical doctors
• survey