INFLUENCE OF SEMINAR AND MAILED GUIDELINES ON KNOWLEDGE OF SCHOOL TEACHERS REGARDING EMERGENCY TREATMENT FOR DENTAL INJURIES

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the influence of two different modes for delivering guidelines
on school teachers’ knowledge on emergency treatment for dental injuries.
Design: Cross sectional questionnaire study.
Setting: Primary schools in Dar es Salaam city council in Tanzania.
Participants: Primary school teachers.
Intervention: Provision of guidelines by mail or through seminar or no guidelines
(control).
Main outcome measures: Knowledge on emergency management of dental injuries
Results: The teachers did not have adequate knowledge on the emergency management
of traumatised teeth. Significant differences were observed between the study groups.
Teachers from the seminar group were likely to re-implant an avulsed tooth (five times
more likely than the control group) or otherwise would transport it in the recommended
medium. No significant differences were observed between the groups on their
willingness to take the avulsed tooth to a doctor or dentist or on the method or liquid
they would use to clean a dirty avulsed tooth.
Conclusion: Compared to provision of information through mailed guidelines, seminar
discussions better improved the school teachers’ knowledge regarding emergency
treatment for dental injuries.