Investigation of mothers’ knowledge of dental trauma management in United Arab Emirates

Abstract

AIM: To assess, by means of a structured questionnaire, mothers’ level of knowledge with regards to the immediate emergency management of dental trauma in the Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: A cross-sectional study using anonymous structured questionnaires was employed for mothers chosen at random from child care centres. The questionnaire surveyed mothers’ background, knowledge and management of tooth fracture, avulsion, and also investigated mothers’ self-assessed knowledge of the availability and priority of emergency services of trauma in UAE. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 676 mothers (response rate 96.6%) who attended mother and child care centres in Ajman over a period of two months (January–February 2011). More than half of the mothers participated in this study were in their twenties and 69.4% had university qualifications. Around 61.5% of the mothers had previous direct or indirect experience of dental trauma. Mother’s knowledge of dental trauma seemed to be inadequate. Chi-square test indicated that there was no significant difference in the number of correct responses in relation to age, level of education, or number of observed trauma cases. Most mothers were unaware of the availability of after working-hours emergency services. They were dissatisfied with their level of knowledge of dental trauma and the majority were interested in having further education on the topic. CONCLUSIONS: The level of knowledge of dental trauma management (especially tooth avulsion) among mothers in Ajman was inadequate and education campaigns are necessary to improve the emergency management of dental injuries. Therefore it is important to educate the public of the availability of after hours dental emergency services to overcome any delay in seeking professional help in cases of dental trauma.