Effectiveness of the ToothSOS App as a training tool for the emergency management of traumatic dental injuries among non-dentists

Knowledge of emergency dental management among a localized sample of athletic trainers

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Athletic trainers are often the point person when sports-related traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) occur. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge levels of the management of TDIs among athletic trainers in the Midwest United States, as well as evaluate variables that may influence knowledge levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A survey was sent to athletic trainers licensed in Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa. The survey included 28 multiple-choice and fill in the blank questions split into three sections. The three sections included background, emergency management of TDIs, and opinion questions.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 100% recalled receiving medical first aid training. However, only 71% recalled receiving formal training on emergency management of dental injuries. Although 75% were confident in managing a dental injury, over 63% of participants scored less than 70% in the knowledge score section. Majority of the participants (98.4%) reported that they believe training on the management of TDIs is important. Athletic trainers working with contact sports were more likely to have experienced managing TDIs more recently than those working in noncontact sports.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the gaps in knowledge among athletic trainers pertaining to management of TDIs and emphasizes the importance of sports community having adequate education on emergency management of such dental injuries.

Evaluation of the knowledge level of pediatricians on dental trauma and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application: A cross sectional study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pediatricians play an essential role in managing pediatric oral emergencies; hence, they should have accurate information on dental injuries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of pediatricians regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey comprising 10 questions was created on Google forms, and the links were sent to the participants via electronic mail and a mobile application. The demographic characteristics and the knowledge level of pediatricians about TDI and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application were evaluated. The questions were prepared by following similar studies and the current guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology.

RESULTS

A total of 229 pediatricians (74.2% female) participated in this study. The correct answer rates revealed statistical differences in terms of profession and experience on the following issues: the most frequently traumatized tooth, the preference of the antibiotic agent, and the management of avulsed primary tooth (p < .05). The decision to consult a dentist revealed statistical differences in the profession (p = .001). The correct answers on the correlation between the age group and dental trauma accompanied by soft tissue injuries showed statistical differences in experience (p = .005). Although none of the participants knew the ToothSOS application, 91.7% of them preferred using this tool in future practices. This rate was statistically higher in participants with an experience of more than 10 years (p = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge level of pediatricians regarding dental trauma was found to be sufficient, except for the questions on avulsion injuries. However, the fact that the participants were unaware of the ToothSOS mobile application was the most considerable result of the study, and this finding highlighted the importance of informing pediatricians dealing with oral injuries regarding the latest updates on dental traumatology.

The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) guidelines for prevention of traumatic dental injuries: Part 8: ToothSOS app

The Guidelines for Prevention of Traumatic Dental Injuries were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD).

Contemporary issues in the management of dental trauma

Contemporary diagnosis and management of traumatic dental injuries requires a multifaceted understanding of the pathological and psychological impact over a patient's lifetime. The legacy of dental trauma injuries can have repercussions for the dentition and supporting tissues, requiring complicated multidisciplinary clinical input. Foresight is required to ensure optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes. Mitigating risks and maximising benefits in patients presenting with polytrauma can be challenging, but if optimally managed at the acute presentation, the long-term burden to the patient and the clinician is reduced. This paper aims to discuss the contemporary clinical dilemmas, challenges and controversies related to the management of dental trauma.

Comparison of effectiveness of different training tools on the level of knowledge about emergency management of avulsed teeth in non-dentists

Objective

Tooth avulsion is a type of trauma requiring an emergency response, and the level of knowledge of non-dentists on the emergency management of avulsed teeth is important for the prognosis of affected teeth. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of training given using different tools on the level of knowledge about the emergency management of avulsed teeth in non-dentists.

Methods

A total of 125 individuals (female, 32.8%; male, 67.2%; mean age, 38.5 ± 7.32 years) participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups, and the training was offered to these groups using different training tools (group 1, storybook; group 2, poster; group 3, ToothSOS App). A survey was conducted on all participants to measure their knowledge levels before training (T0), immediately after (T1), and 1 month later (T2). The Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and Friedman tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The participants' mean correct answer scores on a scale from 0 to 21 were 7.76 ± 4.00, 5.47 ± 4.71, and 7.38 ± 2.96 at T0 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and their mean scores increased to 14.68 ± 4.10, 13.74 ± 3.28, and 13.86 ± 3.01 at T1 and 13.41 ± 3.34, 12.34 ± 3.77, and 13.66 ± 3.56 at T2. The correct answer scores increased significantly at both T1 and T2 in all groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

None of the training tools used in the study was superior in increasing the level of knowledge. More comprehensive and long-term studies on this subject are needed.

Knowledge about the emergency management of dental injuries among field hockey coaches

BACKGROUND/AIM

Field hockey is frequently associated with oro-dental injuries. In such acute situations, appropriate management of the injury by coaches can contribute to a better clinical outcome and prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of hockey coaches in the Netherlands about the emergency management of dental injuries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 25-item questionnaire about the prevalence and management of oro-dental injuries was distributed amongst hockey coaches in the Netherlands. A sub-analysis was done regarding the knowledge on the management of dental injuries by using a 5-point scoring system.

RESULTS

Two hundred and six hockey coaches participated in this survey. A small majority (53%) of the coaches knew the treatment of choice in the event of a permanent tooth injury. The median score of coaches' knowledge regarding management of oro-dental injuries was 3.0 (2.0-4.0) points. Coaches with a (para)medical training/occupation, and coaches with >10 years of experience had significantly higher scores compared with the other groups (p < .01 and p = .03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge level of hockey coaches in the Netherlands about oro-dental injuries needs to be improved, as many coaches are not aware of the appropriate first aid measures.