Dental injuries: "first aid" knowledge of Southampton teachers of physical education

A total of 66 teachers of physical education within the Southampton telephone area responded to a postal questionnaire related to their knowledge of the first aid treatment of dental injuries. In a case study investigating tooth fracture, 64% gave an appropriate answer. In a second case study relating to avulsion (loss) of a permanent tooth, 43% gave an appropriate answer. There was an unclear relationship between the point in their careers at which teachers had received first aid training and the accuracy of their responses. There is a need for further information in this area.