Parental knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Emergency Management of Dental Trauma

Abstract

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are a common dental health problem in childhood, producing a substantial impact on children's quality of life. TDI, are caused by an external impact on a tooth and its surrounding tissues. Maxillary central incisors are the most commonly affected teeth in either permanent or primary dentition because of their exposed position in the dental arch. Subsequently, this study aimed to identify the demographic factors of parents’ knowledge about dental trauma, assess the knowledge and attitude of parents about emergency management of dental trauma and evaluate the impact of education on the level of awareness of the parents. A sample of 500 parents attending the Pediatric Dental Clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University participated in the study. A questionnaire from a similar study was translated and modified to meet the aim of this study. The study was approved by Ethical Committee at the faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University. The study design involved two groups of parents and included three phases; pilot study, questionnaire and education (sessions, brochures) Group A: Included 250 parents who answered the questionnaire before taking any educational sessions later, group A took educational session about dental trauma management by using the simple brochure. Group B: 250 Parents were interviewed on two sessions; First session included educational session about dental trauma management by using simple brochure that was given to them. The investigator read the information to the parents and made sure that the parents understood it, In the Second session was after one week from the first sessions where the investigator read and filled the questionnaire face to face with the parents.