Assessment of first aid knowledge levels regarding tooth avulsion among teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centers

Aim: Tooth avulsion is one of the most severe traumatic dental injuries in childhood and requires immediate emergency management. Because children are often under the supervision of teachers and parents at the time of injury, assessing first aid knowledge regarding the emergency management of avulsed teeth is critical. This study aimed to evaluate the first aid knowledge of teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centers concerning tooth avulsion. Material and Method: A total of 305 volunteer teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centers participated (72.8% female, 27.2% male). Participation was voluntary, anonymous and self-reported. An online questionnaire assessing first aid knowledge related to tooth avulsion was administered after ethical approval was obtained. Statistical analyses of the collected data were performed using the t-test and analysis of variance. Results: Only 4.3% of participants stated that they would replant an avulsed permanent tooth. The most frequently preferred storage medium was clean cotton/tissue/gauze (69.2%), whereas only 13.1% correctly identified milk as an ideal transport medium. Participants with previous experience of tooth avulsion demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores than those without such experience (p < 0.05). Knowledge scores did not differ significantly according to department of graduation. Additionally, gender, duration of professional experience, and educational level were not found to affect knowledge scores (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centers have insufficient knowledge regarding tooth avulsion management. Structured and comprehensive educational programs are needed to improve first aid knowledge and promote appropriate emergency responses following avulsion. Keywords: First Aid, Knowledge Level, Tooth Avulsion, Rehabilitation Centers