Evaluation of the Application of Italian National Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Dental Injuries in Developmental Age

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the application of National guidelines for prevention and clinical management of traumatic dental injuries (NGPCMTDI) in developmental age published by the Italian Ministry of Health. Methods: In the present retrospective and multicenter study, 246 patients who underwent dental injury were selected to assess the management of the traumatic event compiled with the protocol provided by the National guidelines. Each health worker involved completed a form related to the dental injury in order to standardize the collected data. Two reference centers have been identified for data collection. Analyses for comparisons between groups were performed using the X2 test for categorical variables or by Fisher exact test as appropriate. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Results: Evaluating the distribution by age we concluded that: 27.24% of the enrolled patients were aged 1–5 years, 51.63% 6–10 years, and 19.92% 11–17 years. The dental injuries occurred in 10.16% of the situations at home, 50.81% at school, 28.86% during recreation, and 9.35% at the gym. The deciduous dentition is involved in 34.96% of the traumas while the permanent dentition is involved in 69.51%. Conclusion: From the present study it emerged that the National guidelines are not uniformly applied.

Knowledge of Emergency Management of Avulsed Teeth among Italian Dentists-Questionnaire Study and Next Future Perspectives

“…Theoretical courses, specific training and continuing education programs both in the under- and post-graduate curriculum of dental schools, together with the evaluation of the acquired knowledge, are necessary to guarantee a high standard of care [ 11 ]. Moreover, dental practitioners in Italy should utilize the Italian guidelines for the prevention and management of dental trauma in children to obtain the appropriate information on evidence-based recommendations for the optimal prevention and treatment of avulsed teeth [ 12 , 13 ]. A multidisciplinary panel on the behalf of the Italian Ministry of Health and in collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Epidemiology and Community Dentistry of Milan developed this document [ 14 ].…”

Best practices, challenges and innovations in pediatrics in 2019

“…Moreover, when dental injury is suspected to be the result of an abuse or violence against children, it must be reported to authorities. In a recent study, Bossù et al [ 17 ], evaluated the application of National guidelines for prevention and clinical management of traumatic dental injuries in developmental age and found that they are not uniformly applied. If prevention strategies are correctly applied, many dental injuries might be avoided, moreover, a proper management of trauma can improve the outcome.…”

Head injuries caused by contact with teeth during sports and exercise activities in Japanese schools during the period 2012–2018

“…18 Injury to teammates and opponents caused by a player's teeth (as a kind of weapon) has seldom been considered, even though it is a critical issue. There have been several studies 4,[19][20][21][22] on the incidence of dental trauma in school settings. However, there are no epidemiological reports of skin trauma caused by teeth-related injuries to the best of our knowledge.…”