Long‐term effect of an educational intervention regarding dental trauma first aid: a phase II study

Abstract

Interventions that improve knowledge about emergency management of traumatic dental injuries may be a good way to achieve a more favorable prognosis in such situations. We set out to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of combined educational interventions on health teachers, including lecture presentation, question-and-answer sessions, and informational posters to promote awareness regarding emergency measures for traumatized teeth. Assessment was performed using a three-part questionnaire, including demographic data, knowledge, and self-assessment. Using a census sampling method, 52 health teachers of 68 potential candidates participated in the study. The questionnaires of 38 teachers who participated at all three intervals, including before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 36 months after (T2) the intervention, were analyzed. Statistical analysis involved Cochrane and McNemar's tests. Totally, results revealed an increase in knowledge from T0 to T1 and T2 intervals (P < 0.017). This study shows the positive effect of educational campaigns and, therefore, serves to encourage professionals to embark on innovative educational programs in this field.

Evaluation of retention of dental students' trauma knowledge following a reminder lecture

“…However, a general opinion is that retention of acquired knowledge is susceptible to time and it is quite likely for knowledge to be lost as time progresses [43,44]. The necessity and significance of the retention of knowledge in the management of dental trauma has been stressed by expressing the fact that educators continuously attempt to deliver concepts and topics that are applicable by attendees in the future [27]. This shows that undergraduate education by itself is unsatisfactory to confirm that knowledge of dental students on the management of trauma is retained throughout their professional lives and underlines the significance of continuous Evaluation of retention of dental students' trauma knowledge following a reminder lecture education [4].…”

“…Furthermore, it has been suggested that first aid in the management of dental trauma should be added among the continuous education programs conducted by the ministry of education [27]. This highlights the significance of educating the public on the management of dental trauma as emergency intervention should begin at the site of injury rather than the dental clinic [1].…”

“…On the other hand, little information exists on the knowledge of undergraduate dental students on the management of dental trauma and how a theoretical reminder lecture will contribute to overall knowledge prior to graduation. The positive influences and appropriateness of repetitive dental trauma lectures is definitely a topic that should be evaluated and consolidated, because data obtained from such research will significantly contribute to the development of educational programs and consequently prognosis improvement [27]. Furthermore, the increase in the number of such investigations will support the view that a general necessity arises as to focus more on the delivery of adequate information on dental trauma to dental students who are on the verge of serving the community.…”

Avulsão dental como resultado de trauma: o grau de conhecimento de profissionais socorristas

“…O principal desconhecimento é sobre quem pode realizar tal procedimento, porém salientam que diante de um dente avulsionado, ao reimplantá-lo, deve-se buscar o seu alinhamento junto ao dente vizinho, manipulando-o cuidadosamente e sem contato com a raiz sendo encaminhando o mais breve possível ao serviço profissional, concordando com protocolo preconizado pela IADT 5 . A literatura evidencia que há um protocolo estabelecido e reconhecido por profissionais da área de odontologia como o ideal nos casos de avulsão dental 4,11,16,17 , porém é pouco difundido a outros grupos profissionais, em especial aos que primeiro atendem estes casos, como demonstrado neste trabalho. Talvez tal fato seja um dos responsáveis pelo insucesso de alguns reimplantes dentais, como evidenciado pela literatura 11, 17, 18. Estudos 14,16 demonstram que grupos profissionais, após receberem informação a respeito de trauma, aumentaram suas médias de acerto nas respostas significativamente.…”

“…Mesmo que ainda não seja possível incluir na formação destes profissionais, o conteúdo específico sobre o tema, o conhecimento pode ser repassado através de palestras, reciclagem e grupos de discussão para que assim estes possam ter subsídio para o atendimento correto, tendo em vista que os socorristas de modo geral são os primeiros a prestar o atendimento nos casos de trauma facial 17,18 . Os dados obtidos com este trabalho, ainda que demonstrem o insuficiente conhecimento frente a casos de avulsão dental, permite destacar que o contato com a informação ocorreu em alguns casos.…”