Knowledge about the emergency management of dental injuries among field hockey coaches

Kirsten E. van Vliet, Henk S. Brand, Frank Lobbezoo, Jan de Lange

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background/Aim: Field hockey is frequently associated with oro-dental injuries. In such acute situations, appropriate management of the injury by coaches can contribute to a better clinical outcome and prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of hockey coaches in the Netherlands about the emergency management of dental injuries. Material and Methods: A 25-item questionnaire about the prevalence and management of oro-dental injuries was distributed amongst hockey coaches in the Netherlands. A sub-analysis was done regarding the knowledge on the management of dental injuries by using a 5-point scoring system. Results: Two hundred and six hockey coaches participated in this survey. A small majority (53%) of the coaches knew the treatment of choice in the event of a permanent tooth injury. The median score of coaches' knowledge regarding management of oro-dental injuries was 3.0 (2.0–4.0) points. Coaches with a (para)medical training/occupation, and coaches with >10 years of experience had significantly higher scores compared with the other groups (p <.01 and p =.03, respectively). Conclusions: The knowledge level of hockey coaches in the Netherlands about oro-dental injuries needs to be improved, as many coaches are not aware of the appropriate first aid measures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)526-531
Number of pages6
JournalDental Traumatology
Volume38
Issue number6
Early online date8 Jul 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022

Keywords

  • coaches
  • dental injury
  • field hockey
  • management
  • tooth avulsion

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