Educational strategies on tooth avulsion for teachers: an intervention study

Area of Science:

• Dental Trauma Management
• Educational Interventions in Health
• Dentoalveolar Injuries

Background:

• Tooth avulsion is a critical dental emergency requiring immediate action.
• Educating key community members, like teachers, can improve outcomes for avulsed teeth.
• Current knowledge gaps among teachers regarding emergency dental trauma management exist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and enhance elementary school teachers' knowledge of managing tooth avulsion.
• To compare the effectiveness of leaflet-based versus video-based educational interventions.
• To assess the impact of these interventions on teachers' understanding of immediate care for avulsed permanent teeth.

Main Methods:

• A parallel, blinded educational intervention study was conducted with 116 teachers.
• Teachers were randomly assigned to receive either a leaflet or a video educational module.
• Knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire before and after the intervention, with statistical analysis (chi-square, logistic regression) performed.

Main Results:

• Both educational interventions significantly improved teachers' overall knowledge of tooth avulsion management (p < 0.05).
• Knowledge regarding the ideal time for tooth replantation and immediate post-trauma management did not show significant improvement (p > 0.05).
• No statistically significant difference was found between the leaflet and video intervention methods in improving knowledge (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Educational interventions, irrespective of format (leaflet or video), effectively enhance teachers' knowledge of tooth avulsion.
• Targeted education is crucial for improving emergency dental trauma response in schools.
• Further focus may be needed on specific aspects like optimal timing for replantation.