Senior Resident, Oral Health Sciences Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India, Tel: 09855701797; e-mail: mohit.bansal51@gmail.com.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of traumatic injuries and the knowledge regarding the emergency care among school children in rural area Dehra, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 13 government schools among 1041 subjects aged 11- 14 years. The demographic details and knowledge regarding emergency care was recorded on a structured questionnaire. The data regarding the traumatic injuries was recorded using modified Ellis' classification.
RESULTS: Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI) was found to be 5.12 %. Maxillary central incisor was the most common tooth to be affected (58.1%). The main cause for TDI was found to be due to falls (51.2%). Enamel with dentin fracture with pulp exposure was the main type of TDI (46.7%). The awareness regarding emergency care revealed that 63.4% of subjects were aware of emergency care. The knowledge regarding TDI increased with increase in age.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dental trauma was found to be low and the awareness level regarding emergency care was found to be fair. Hence it is highly recommended to plan a community wide trauma prevention campaign targeting parents, children and dental care providers.