Lay knowledge of physical education teachers about the emergency management of dental trauma in Hong Kong

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge of a group of ph ysical education (PE) teachers about the emergency management of dental tra uma in Hong Kong. A postal questionnaire was sent to PE teachers in 100 ran domly selected secondary schools in Hong Kong, A total of 166 teachers from 65 schools responded. Results show that a majority of the respondents have received formal teaching training (98.8%). While all but one teacher had r eceived formal first aid training, only eight of them recalled that they ha d received advice on the management of dental trauma. Concerning the manage ment of tooth fracture, 118 respondents (71.1%) gave an appropriate answer. In contrast, only 29 teachers (17.5%) were able to indicate the appropriat e management for an avulsed tooth. Over 60% (102) of the respondents indica ted it was "very urgent" Is seek professional assistance if a permanent too th has been avulsed, but they had little knowledge of the correct procedure s for replanting or transporting avulsed teeth. Only 15 respondents (9%) po inted out that milk was the medium of choice for transporting avulsed teeth . Finally, over 90% (157) of respondents indicated that the); had never rec eived advice on the emergency procedures for the management of dental avuls ion. The present study showed that the level of lay knowledge of management of dental injuries in a selection of PE teachers in Hong Kong is inadequat e and educational campaigns are necessary to improve their emergency manage ment of dental injuries.