ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge and attitudes toward dental avulsion of public and private elementary schoolteachers. METHODS: the study was performed by applying a questionnaire in a sample composed of 95 elementary schoolteachers (46 from public schools and 49 from private schools). The questionnaire comprised 9 questions and was pretested before final implementation. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of private schoolteachers and 15% of public schoolteachers witnessed at least 1 case of dental avulsion at the school (P=.009). Ninety-two percent and 62% of private and public schoolteachers, respectively, admitted the possibility of an avulsioned tooth to be reimplanted (P<.001). Both responses were statistically different when school type (public or private) was considered. Only 27% of private schoolteachers and 11% of public schoolteachers knew the procedures to be taken in cases of avulsed teeth, and more than 95% of all teachers did not feel capable of executing tooth reimplantation. The study showed no statistical difference between private and public schoolteachers' knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Teachers and other professionals involved in children's care and supervision must be correctly and well informed about dental avulsion, its consequences and the correct procedures to be performed in such cases.
