Information for the Public About Dental Trauma

DEVELOPING PUBLIC DENTAL TRAUMA AWARENESS

Parents and preschool teachers should receive guidance in injury prevention and associated risks following traumatic oral-dental injuries sustained by young children.^229–231 Emotional and esthetic long-term consequences may be emphasized to create awareness in order to avoid intentional and non-intentional injuries.²³² The dentist should give advice to school-age children and athletes on the type and proper use of mouthguards in contact sports such as rugby, hockey, football, volleyball and basketball.^233–235 Because amateur players are more at risk than professionals, injury prevention campaigns addressing the need for protective devices in sports and bicycling can increase awareness and use. This can be achieved through legislation or regulation.

Education in the management of acute dental injuries focusing on tooth avulsion has had growing interest among those in the dental profession.^236–241 However, the psychological, emotional and economic consequences of such injuries have not had high priority in public health campaigns. The proposed campaign must be focused so as to present its message clearly, making the population aware of its role in saving teeth at the site of accident or as a result of violence.^242,243 To reach this goal, dental school curricula and the dental profession should be updated with the IADT current Guidelines for the Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries.²⁴⁴ By attending continuing education courses on dental trauma, dentists become more conscious of their role and commitment to educate school teachers, parents, health care personnel and the general public. It would seem that public education needs a more comprehensive analysis.^245,246 Collaboration o/>