Kamil Zafar
Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan
Title: Awareness of dentists regarding immediate management of dental avulsion
Biography
Biography: Kamil Zafar
Abstract
Background: Of all traumatic dental injuries, dental avulsion accounts for 16% of injuries. Immediate intervention is key to the long-term success of an avulsed tooth. Inadequate management of these cases leads to serious esthetic implications causing social embarrassment to the patient and ultimately an increasing the cost of defi nitive prosthodontic treatment.
Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of practicing dentists in Karachi regarding immediate management of dental avulsion. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in various dental colleges and teaching hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan from October to November 2016. A total of 333 dentists meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited to fi ll a self-administered questionnaire. Questions related to knowledge and practice regarding immediate management of dental avulsion was asked and then responses were categorized as good knowledge, moderate and poor knowledge. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. Chi-square test was applied to fi nd the association of knowledge with diff erent variables (specialty, qualifi cation and years of practice).
Results: Only 11% dentist had good knowledge, while 46% had moderate and 43% had poor knowledge regarding immediate management of dental avulsion. Th ere was statistically signifi cant association of knowledge with specialty and qualifi cation. Dentists belonging to specialty of operative dentistry had relatively better knowledge in comparison to other specialties.
Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, we conclude that the knowledge of dentists in Karachi, Pakistan regarding immediate management of avulsion is inadequate. Knowledge was signifi cantly associated with specialty and qualifi cation of dentist.