Evaluation of dentistry undergraduate students’ knowledge about tooth avulsion

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate, through a questionnaire, the knowledge of undergraduate students of dentistry at Veiga de Almeida University about dental avulsion. Material and Methods: a structured questionnaire with academic background, previous experience on the subject, and multiple choice questions about knowledge of tooth avulsion was applied to undergraduate students of dentistry from the 2nd to the 8th semester. Results: 98.2% of students knew what is dental avulsion and 54.5% have studied or had some kind of education on the subject, 92% answered that dental replantation is the best procedure in case of avulsion. However, only 31% effectively knew how to proceed and proper care of the avulsed tooth (41%). Regarding tooth storage, 61% would store in a bottle of fresh milk. 81% of participants believe that the avulsed tooth, after reimplantation, should be immobilized. Conclusion: undergraduate dentistry students at Veiga de Almeida University present knowledge about the definition of tooth avulsion and that replantation is the best option for treatment. However, it is observed that due to the care of the avulsed tooth and the care protocol, students’ knowledge is scarce