Avulsed permanent incisors: knowledge and attitudes of primary school teachers with regard to emergency management

Abstract

Objectives. This study was designed to examine the knowledge and attitudes of primary school teachers with regard to the emergency management of avulsed permanent incisors. Design. Data were collected by self‐administered questionnaire. Setting. The study was conducted in primary schools lying within a 2‐mile radius of the University Dental Hospital, Cardiff. Sample and methods. A total of 388 teachers in 31 participating schools were asked to complete a questionnaire, which was subsequently collected by two of the authors (CS and AT). Results. Two hundred and seventy‐four teachers returned completed questionnaires, a response rate of 70·6%. One hundred and eighty‐one respondents (60·1%) had received no advice about the emergency management of dental avulsion. Of the 133 teachers (48·5%) who possessed a first aid certificate, 39 (29·3%) had been given relevant advice as part of this training. Less than one‐third of respondents (85 (31%)) cited an optimum extra‐oral time of 30 min or less, with only 43 (15·7%) considering that this should be 10 min or less. However, 125 (45·6%) knew milk to be the best transport medium. Two hundred and four teachers (74·5%) stated that they would not be prepared to replant an avulsed tooth themselves, 133 (80%) basing this decision on lack of expertise and training. Two hundred and sixty‐two teachers (95·6%) expressed a desire for further information. Conclusions. The majority of respondents possessed, at best, rudimentary knowledge of the emergency management of dental avulsion. Teachers, and other individuals who supervise children in schools, should receive simple instruction in dental first aid.