Knowledge and practice gaps in the emergency management practices of children with dental trauma: a cross-sectional survey among primary school health teachers and parents in Urumqi

Abstract

Background: Dental trauma management knowledge gaps among primary school health teachers and parents in Urumqi contribute to suboptimal paediatric oral health outcomes. This study identifies critical misconceptions concerning the critical 30-minute window for avulsed teeth to inform targeted interventions and policy reforms. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over 6 months via a Chinese-language questionnaire. The random sampling included 267 primary school health teachers and 1,420 parents from four of Urumqi’s seven districts. The data were analysed via constituent ratios and chi-square tests. Results: Valid responses were collected from 249 teachers and 1420 parents. Prevalence and training: 66.3% (165) of the teachers encountered dental trauma, but only 37.3% (93) had formal training. Emergency management: Only 3.6% of teachers (9) attempted immediate tooth reinsertion. Knowledge of storage media varied: physiological saline 45.4% (113), milk 18.5% (46), or keeping the tooth in the mouth 9.2% (23). Critical knowledge: Finally, just 31.7% (79) understood the 30-minute window for avulsed teeth. Conclusion: Mandatory dental trauma training for school health teachers and parent education campaigns are urgently needed. Policy reforms should integrate standardized dental emergency protocols into school health curricula.