Dentists' self-estimation of their competence to treat avulsion and root fracture injuries

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Norwegian dentists on avulsion and root fracture injuries.

An electronic questionnaire (QuestBack) was sent in 2012 to all dentists (n = 255) employed in the Public Dental Service (PDS) in three counties of Norway. The dentists were asked to state whether they felt they had sufficient competence to treat avulsion and root fractures immediately and long term. Based on international guidelines, the authors achieved a consensus for ideal treatment. Based on two cases, the clinicians were to assess their own competence. They were classified into either a 'sufficient competence' (SC) group or an 'insufficient competence' (ISC) group. The data were evaluated by descriptive statistics and chi-square bivariate analysis.

The response rate was 64%, 95 dentists (62%) in the SC group and 58 (38%) in the ISC group. Significantly more young dentists responded (P < 0.001). Correct treatment (reposition and splint) for a one-day-old fracture in the middle third of the root with luxation of the coronal fragment was chosen more often by the SC group compared with the ISC group (P = 0.03), but estimating the long-term prognosis, there was no difference (P = 0.14). In a case with a previous avulsion injury and obvious signs of pulp necrosis and external infection-related root resorption, the majority (n = 97, 63%) would choose root canal treatment with a Ca(OH)₂ dressing which was considered correct treatment, but fewer than half of the clinicians (40%) diagnosed the external infection related to root resorption which was visible on a radiograph. There was no difference between the groups (P = 0.81).

The study shows that overall knowledge among Norwegian dentists is good, but more knowledge on detecting and diagnosing external root resorption is needed. Self-estimation of own competence does not reflect level of knowledge.