Knowledge of Australian primary education providers towards dental avulsion injuries: a cross-sectional study

Background/aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of school professionals regarding the emergency management of dental avulsion. Methods This cross‐sectional study utilised a self‐administered, pilot‐tested questionnaire for school staff from primary schools. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis – the prevalence and univariate associations between a categorical outcome and the variables under consideration, were evaluated using Pearson’s Chi‐squared test. Results This survey yielded a response rate of 43.5% (n = 313). Approximately 60% of participants held valid first‐aid certificates and 23% had received avulsion advice previously. Over 80% of participants expressed an unwillingness to replant an avulsed tooth, and over 90% believed that there should be greater awareness in this area. This unwillingness to replant was influenced by respondents’ age (x2 = 8.13 df = 3, P = 0.043) and receiving advice previously (x2 = 13.15, df = 1, P < 0.001). Under‐preparedness was related to years of experience (x2 = 15.03, df = 5, P = 0.010), first‐aid training (x2 = 6.41, df = 1, P = 0.011) and receiving advice previously (x2 = 43.47, df = 1, P < 0.001). It was also evident that first‐aid training positively influenced appropriate dental referral in the management pathway (x2 = 10.49, df = 1, P = 0.001). Conclusion This study suggests that there is an inadequate level of knowledge on the appropriate management of dental avulsion injuries amongst primary school professionals in Australia