Perceptions of emergency department physicians regarding the management of traumatic dental injuries

Abstract

Background/AimThe purpose of this study was to investigate the self‐reported confidence level and education of Atlantic Canada emergency department physicians in the management of traumatic dental injuries and to assess the need for further education surrounding the management of dental trauma.Material and MethodsAn 18‐item survey was developed and distributed electronically to physicians by their respective provincial medical associations.ResultsTraumatic dental injuries were reported in the emergency department on a weekly basis (78%). Most respondents reported that they were somewhat confident (51%) or very confident (7%) in managing traumatic dental injuries. Physicians' years in practice correlated positively with self‐reported confidence levels in managing dental trauma. Urban and rural emergency department physicians reported similar levels of access to general dentists (38% and 30%, respectively); however, urban emergency department physicians reported greater access to pediatric dental specialists (43%) and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (81%) than rural practicing colleagues (4% and 30%, respectively). Most emergency department physicians (85%) agreed that it was important to receive training on the management of traumatic dental injuries and reported that education on managing traumatic dental injuries during residency (37%) and access to a dental trauma decision‐making pathway (30%) would be of most value.ConclusionsThis study highlights the role of emergency department physicians as first responders and demonstrates opportunities for improvement in the initial management of traumatic dental injuries. These implications can be achieved through the incorporation of further training in emergency medicine residency programs and through the implementation of decision‐making pathways in emergency departments.

Predictive factors for maxillofacial fractures, sedentary behavior, and dental trauma literacy

“…33 In this Issue, Steeves et al investigated the self-reported confidence level and education of Atlantic Canada ED physicians and assessed the demand for further training on the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) and the most preferable method to provide this training. 34 An 18 multiple-choice or ranking question survey was employed to assess demographics, education and self-reported confidence, and demand for further education regarding TDIs management. Although dental care is ideally provided by dental personnel, ED physicians are in a unique position to support patients until they can access the timely dental care required.…”

“…In order to achieve better treatment outcomes, dental education for physicians should be enhanced 33 . In this Issue , Steeves et al investigated the self‐reported confidence level and education of Atlantic Canada ED physicians and assessed the demand for further training on the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) and the most preferable method to provide this training 34 . An 18 multiple‐choice or ranking question survey was employed to assess demographics, education and self‐reported confidence, and demand for further education regarding TDIs management.…”