Knowledge and Awareness of Emergency Medical Physicians on the Management of Traumatic Dental Avulsion at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding traumatic dental avulsion management among emergency physicians at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional, survey-based observational study was conducted among emergency physicians at SQUH from August 2021 to October 2021. The data were collected through a standardised and validated questionnaire. Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 18 completed questionnaire forms were received (response rate: 72.0%). The data revealed that 66.7% of the participants had prior knowledge of avulsion management, and 50% had received education on dental trauma. However, 83.0% of the participants did not feel comfortable replanting an avulsed tooth themselves. Regarding their knowledge level, 45.0% of the participating physicians demonstrated low knowledge, 22.2% demonstrated moderate knowledge and 33.3% demonstrated high knowledge. Thus, 94.0% of the participants were interested in acquiring information about avulsion management. Conclusion: The level of knowledge was significantly associated with receiving dental education and a higher clinical grade. As a result, it is crucial to include information about avulsion and its management in both medical undergraduate and post-graduate curricula.

Keywords: Avulsion; Knowledge; Dental Education; First Aid; Oman.