Awareness of emergency management of dental trauma among mothers in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess (a) the level of knowledge of mothers in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia with regard to the immediate emergency management of dental trauma and (b) its relation to socioeconomic variables. Methods We interviewed 120 mothers using a questionnaire that investigated the mothers' demographic data and their basic knowledge of emergency management of tooth fracture, avulsion, and loss of consciousness. The questionnaire also investigated the mothers' self-assessed knowledge, their attitude toward further education on dental trauma emergency management, the likelihood of dental trauma prevention, and their knowledge of the priority of emergency management of dental trauma. Results The average knowledge score was 2.408 (out of 8). Two factors significantly improved maternal knowledge: having previous training that included dental trauma management (p = 0.036) and acknowledging the importance of emergency management of dental trauma (p = 0.031). Conclusion Maternal knowledge about the emergency management of dental trauma in Al-Qassim region was deficient regardless of age, educational level, working status, or socioeconomic status. Dental educational campaigns aimed at mothers are necessary so as to minimize complications from dental trauma among children.