Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 4

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Sachin Parmar
drsachinparmar96@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are very common; epidemiological studies revealed that one out of two children sustains a dental injury, most often between the age of 1½ and 2½ year. The prognosis of traumatized teeth depends on the prompt and appropriate treatment, which depends on the knowledge of the people managing the child, which often are school teachers and parents. Dental professionals are expected to identify and manage traumatic dental emergencies in the primary and permanent dentitions and referring severe cases to a specialized dental care provider. Hence, it is critical to assess the existing knowledge of dental traumatology among dental students and dental practitioners, as they play a key role in providing the necessary intervention in the near future. Hence, the purpose of this institutional study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness among dental students and dental faculty members regarding dental trauma in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, and institutional study has been conducted among 300 dental students and faculty members. Online questionnaire was designed which include questions on their educational qualification and their knowledge and attitudes, regarding TDIs. Results: Correct responses given by dental faculty members (87.78%) followed by postgraduate students (85.9%) and least correct responses were given by undergraduate students (71.2%). Hence, faculty members and postgraduate students had comparatively better knowledge and attitude as compared to undergraduate students toward management of TDIs. Conclusion: Dental students are expected to be competent before graduation in managing TDI in the primary and permanent dentitions. Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that awareness, knowledge, and attitude regarding the TDIs in children among undergraduates are comparatively low. The present findings provided baseline information on the existing knowledge and highlight the need to improve the knowledge of dental students regarding TDIs and their management by adding additional training courses covering TDI in undergraduate programs.