Knowledge on dental trauma management and caries prevention.

Abstract

This study evaluated the knowledge of dental assistants (DA) and hygienists (DH) on dental trauma management and dental caries prevention. Secondarily, other aims were 2-fold: (1) to update the assistants/hygienists through courses supported on scientific evidence-based information and (2) to evaluate their job satisfaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 46 participants, DHs and Das, working in the Secretary of Education of the city of Brasilia (Federal District, Brazil). The information was gathered through 2 self-administered questionnaires during 2 training meetings. The first questionnaire was applied before the first meeting and the second questionnaire after the last meeting. All participants were women older than 38 years and with more than 15 years of experience. The participants demonstrated knowledge on dental trauma types but lack of knowledge on dental trauma first-aid approaches. Concerning to dental caries, the professional demonstrated knowledge on both etiology and prevention. Lectures, periodical training, and inclusion in multidisciplinary training groups aiming to caries prevention and dental trauma are necessary.