Medical doctors' knowledge of dental trauma management: A review

Education in dental trauma is extremely important to promote knowledge on the assessment and management of a traumatized tooth. Medical doctors are normally only required to manage the emergency phase of traumatic dental injury (TDI) treatment before referring to a dentist, endodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for continuing care. Medical doctors who possess sufficient theoretical knowledge and are competent enough clinically to handle TDI can provide a higher standard of treatment care and ultimately achieve a better patient outcome. The aim of this literature review was to assess the extent of medical doctors' knowledge of dental trauma management for injuries in the following four areas: (a) tooth structure; (b) to the supporting bone; (c) to the periodontal tissues; and (d) to the soft tissues. Based on the findings from this literature review, an overall deficiency in knowledge and confidence in managing dental trauma has been identified. Knowledge and understanding to categorize TDI using the same classification of dental injuries commonly used amongst dentists would allow medical doctors to better manage and communicate with dental colleagues concerning referral for further care. If the medical education curriculum provided medical doctors with more information and skills for the management of dental trauma and an understanding of the importance of early management, then more favourable outcomes may prevail for dental trauma patients.