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Dentists' Knowledge and Clinical Practice Regarding Splinting After Dental Trauma: A Guideline-Based Cross-Sectional
Zeynep Şeyda Yavşan1, Gülçin Cagay Sevencan2
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Türkiye.
Background/Aim:
Traumatic dental injuries require prompt, guideline-based management, and splinting is critical for healing and prognosis. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess and compare International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guideline-based splinting knowledge among general dentists and dental specialists.
Materials And Methods:
An electronic cross-sectional questionnaire assessing IADT guideline-based splinting knowledge was distributed to general dentists and specialists in pediatric dentistry, endodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The questionnaire (Google Forms) comprised 20 items, including 9 knowledge-based questions on splinting, and was disseminated via e-mail, WhatsApp groups, and dental associations; participation was voluntary and electronic informed consent was obtained. A total knowledge score was calculated (range: 0-16), with higher scores indicating greater knowledge of splinting after dental trauma. The total knowledge score was defined as the dependent variable and its associations with participants' demographic and occupational characteristics were assessed statistically.
Results:
A total of 214 dentists responded to the questionnaire. Self-perceived knowledge of traumatic dental injury management was mostly low-to-moderate (1.9% not knowledgeable, 15.4% slightly knowledgeable, 41.1% moderately knowledgeable, 37.9% knowledgeable, 3.7% very knowledgeable). Consulting an experienced colleague was the most common resource (49.3%), followed by guidelines (41.7%) and ToothSOS (9.0%). Avulsion was the most frequently selected indication for splinting (32.5%); 56.1% identified passive-flexible splints as recommended, while 17.2% did not know the recommended type. Knowledge of IADT-based splinting was highest among pediatric dentists (13.44 ± 1.64), followed by endodontists (12.77 ± 1.90), whereas general dentists (9.89 ± 2.27) had the lowest total knowledge scores.
Conclusion:
Knowledge of IADT-based splinting after dental trauma varied according to specialty and professional experience. Lower knowledge scores were associated with longer professional experience and preference for consulting colleagues rather than guideline-based resources. Continuous professional education may improve adherence to current trauma guidelines.