THE DEGREE OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF EGYPTIAN PHYSICIANS REGARDING EMERGENCY TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES: CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) continue to be a significant oral health concern in children. The
prognosis of a tooth following trauma is influenced by factors such as injury severity, the quality and time of
initial treatment, subsequent care and adequate knowledge among physicians. Therefore, this study aimed to
evaluate physicians fundamental knowledge and attitude regarding the management of TDIs in Egypt.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study surveyed a sample of 290 physicians including family
medicine, pediatricians and emergency doctors in Egypt using an online questionnaire. Participants completed a
three-part questionnaire (four questions covering demographic, professional, and personal data; nine questions
in the form of 2 cases scenarios to assess their knowledge and four questions to assess their attitude regarding
TDIs). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Categorical and binary data were presented as frequency
and percentage; intergroup comparison was performed using the Chi-Squared test. The confidence limit was set
at 95% with 80% power and all tests were two tailed with statistical significance level set at (P ≤ 0.05).
Results: Pediatricians and Family medicine doctors had a statistically significant higher knowledge score
regarding immediate management of fractured tooth and the immediate emergency action regarding avulsion
compared to emergency physicians (P = 0.0279, P = 0.0272 respectively). No statistically significant difference
in the rest of the knowledge question and attitude question.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated gap of knowledge and lack of confidence among medical
physicians in diagnosing and managing traumatic dental injuries in emergency department. There is a clear need
to enhance dental trauma education for emergency doctors.