Influence of seminar and mailed guidelines on knowledge of school teachers regarding emergency treatment for dental injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of two different modes for delivering guidelines on school teachers' knowledge on emergency treatment for dental injuries.


METHODS
Cross sectional questionnaire study.


METHODS
Primary schools in Dar es Salaam city council in Tanzania.


METHODS
Primary school teachers.


METHODS
Provision of guidelines by mail or through seminar or no guidelines (control).


METHODS
Knowledge on emergency management of dental injuries


RESULTS
The teachers did not have adequate knowledge on the emergency management of traumatised teeth. Significant differences were observed between the study groups. Teachers from the seminar group were likely to re-implant an avulsed tooth (five times more likely than the control group) or otherwise would transport it in the recommended medium. No significant differences were observed between the groups on their willingness to take the avulsed tooth to a doctor or dentist or on the method or liquid they would use to clean a dirty avulsed tooth.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to provision of information through mailed guidelines, seminar discussions better improved the school teachers' knowledge regarding emergency treatment for dental injuries.
Kahabuka
F K
FK
Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 65014, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Van't Hof
M
M
Willemsen
W
W
Burgersdijk
R
R
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D005178:Faculty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011177:Postal Service; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013636:Tanzania; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000628:therapy*