Abstract
Tooth avulsion is the displacement of an intact tooth out of the bony socket. This study evaluates the knowledge of Emergency Room physicians about tooth avulsion management, and determine the demographic factors associated with knowledge. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on ER physicians. Major public hospitals were conveniently selected and used as clusters; test subjects were conveniently approached. Data were collected through a validated, self-administered questionnaire. Levels of knowledge were assessed in certain fields of avulsion management through selected questions. A total of 244 medical practitioners in emergency departments participated in the study. When asked about the importance of immediate management and critical extra-alveolar time of avulsed teeth, 35.4% of the respondents responded correctly. As for the importance of not replanting primary teeth, 46.3% of the respondents reported correctly. The majority of physicians knew the proper handling and proper cleaning technique of avulsed teeth with 78.5% and 79.3% correct responses respectively. The overall knowledge levels of physicians were poor in 61% and only 39 0 /o showed good knowledge. Results showed that ER physicians have demonstrated poor knowledge level regarding tooth avulsion management. Therefore, training programs would be helpful for timely dental referral of the patient presented with tooth avulsion in ER.