Knowledge of Primary School Healthcare Teachers Regarding the Management of Avulsed Teeth in Tabriz, Iran

Background: Traumatic dental injuries can be considered as an important social problem because they can affect daily lives of children, and their management is a major challenge in dentistry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the primary school healthcare teachers’ knowledge regarding the management of avulsed teeth in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, ۱۶۰ healthcare teachers were selected from Tabriz schools. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics and knowledge. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and independent t-test, using SPSS version ۱۶.۰. Statistical significance was set at P < ۰.۰۵. Results: Among ۱۶۰ healthcare teachers, ۲.۵% were male and ۹۷.۵% were female. The mean age of the participants was ۳۹.۲±۴.۶ years. All the healthcare teachers had university education and ۸۹.۴% (۱۴۳ subjects) of them had bachelor’s degrees. Of all the subjects, ۹۶ (۶۰%), ۵۸ (۳۶.۲%) and ۶ (۳.۸%) teachers had poor, moderate and good knowledge, respectively. Conclusions: The knowledge of school healthcare teachers in Tabriz about management of avulsed teeth is inadequate. Therefore, it is suggested that appropriate training programs be provided in this area, and it is recommended that the management of dental injuries be reviewed in educational programs and other health-related topics.