Khan, A., Goyal, A., Somaiya, V., Rathesh, A., Sathiyamoorthy, J., Larkin, K., Currell, S., and Nimmo, A.J. (2020) Knowledge of Australian primary education providers towards dental avulsion injuries: a cross-sectional study. Australian Dental Journal, 65 (1). pp. 46-52.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

 

2

3

Abstract

Background/aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of school professionals regarding the emergency management of dental avulsion.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study utilised a self‐administered, pilot‐tested questionnaire for school staff from primary schools. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis – the prevalence and univariate associations between a categorical outcome and the variables under consideration, were evaluated using Pearson’s Chi‐squared test.

Results

This survey yielded a response rate of 43.5% (n = 313). Approximately 60% of participants held valid first‐aid certificates and 23% had received avulsion advice previously. Over 80% of participants expressed an unwillingness to replant an avulsed tooth, and over 90% believed that there should be greater awareness in this area. This unwillingness to replant was influenced by respondents’ age (x2 = 8.13 df = 3, P = 0.043) and receiving advice previously (x2 = 13.15, df = 1, P < 0.001). Under‐preparedness was related to years of experience (x2 = 15.03, df = 5, P = 0.010), first‐aid training (x2 = 6.41, df = 1, P = 0.011) and receiving advice previously (x2 = 43.47, df = 1, P < 0.001). It was also evident that first‐aid training positively influenced appropriate dental referral in the management pathway (x2 = 10.49, df = 1, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that there is an inadequate level of knowledge on the appropriate management of dental avulsion injuries amongst primary school professionals in Australia.

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page