Evaluation of Parent's knowledge and Attitude Toward Dental Trauma in 7-12 Years old Children Referred to Pediatric Department of Dental School, Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are one of the most common dental problems in children and adolescents. Since parents are among the first to attend the scene of the accident, their knowledge of dental traumatic injuries management has a significant impact on the prognosis of these teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate parental knowledge and attitude toward dental trauma in 7-12 years old children referred to pediatric department of dental school, Golestan university of medical sciences.

In this cross-sectional study questionnaire forms were distributed among 225 parents. Questionnaire contained 4 parts: demographic characteristics, social information, knowledge regarding traumatic dental injuries and their emergency management, and prevention approach towards dental trauma. The data was collected and analyzed using t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). A significance level was considered.  

The mean parental knowledge was 3.3  of 13. A significant difference was observed between parental knowledge and educational level (P-value=0/04). However, no significant difference was found between parental knowledge and age, gender and number of children. According to the results, 48% of parents had not received any information regarding dental trauma. Most of the parents (88%) were willing to attend an educational program about management of dental trauma.

Parents play an important role in control and management of children's dental injuries. According to the average knowledge score obtained in this study, parents' knowledge about dental injuries is insufficient, which emphasizes the need to increase the awareness regarding dental traumatic injuries.