Parental Preparedness for Traumatic Dental Injury Management in Children - An Evaluative Study

The prognosis of the traumatized tooth depends on the immediate management of the tooth. The primary caregiver's knowledge for managing traumatic dental injury (TDI) may determine the prognosis for cases of trauma-related injuries that could otherwise be saved.

To assess the knowledge and attitude of parents towards the emergency management of TDIs in children and to evaluate the effect of variables like education qualifications, income of parents, and their past experience of trauma on the responses.

Consecutive patients reporting to the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry were assessed according to inclusion criteria and 359 subjects were selected. Demographic details, knowledge, and approach of parents towards dental injuries, including management of TDIs of primary and permanent teeth according to actual guidelines, were recorded in a validated questionnaire.

The statistical software, namely, SPSS version 24.0, was used for the analysis of the data. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn's post hoc test, were used. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

The mean score of parental awareness was only 2.55 out of 12 (minimum score 0 and maximum 7). Comparison of the mean sum scores based on previous experience of trauma was statistically not significant. Comparison of mean sum response scores based on Mother's education, Father's education status, and income status was statistically significant.

The results of this study showed that knowledge about TDIs, including avulsion and first-aid procedures, is low among parents.