To ascertain the level of knowledge among primary school teachers towards the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in school and to determine the preference among teachers regarding the education tools that can be used to increase awareness and knowledge among them. A total of 150 teachers from primary schools in three different districts were included in the study and they were given self-administered questionnaires to be filled. The validated questionnaire was distributed randomly in the selected schools. The questionnaire included two scenarios comprising of tooth fracture and avulsion. Questions regarding awareness and management of these scenarios were asked. All 150 participants answered the questionnaire; of these 74% were females 26% were males. 64% of the participants had received tertiary education. Although 70% of teachers had obtained first aid training, only 9.3% of them had received training regrading dental injuries. About 53% of participants knew the correct answer for the appropriate response to fractured tooth and only 35.3% managed to correctly answer the question related to appropriate response to an avulsed tooth. Only 38.7% knew about appropriate rinsing solution and a mere 4.7% were familiar with proper storage media. Even though the teachers have poor knowledge regarding management of dental injuries, it is reassuring to know that 93% of them are keen on further training and awareness. More educational programmes need to be introduced to empower the teachers with the relevant knowledge required to deal with dental emergencies.
Objective: The aims of this study were to compare associations between dental health and pregnancy circumstances, birth history and early childhood health in children with and without Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH). Methods: A matched case-control (n=101) study investigated perinatal and early childhood factors that could be associated with development of MIH. Case group (n=46) children (with MIH) were identified from the University of Otago Paediatric Dentistry Clinic. Control group (n=55) children (matched for age and gender, and with no signs of MIH) were selected from another clinic. Clinical examination recorded dental enamel defects and caries status. Pregnancy history and the child’s development and medical history were recorded by questionnaire. Mothers and children’s birth records were examined. Results: There were no significant socio-demographic differences between case or control groups. Children diagnosed with MIH had more problems at birth, including oxygen deprivation, one or more signs of foetal distress, premature birth or low birth weight. More mothers of MIH children had received drugs during delivery, including nitrous oxide, pethidine, or antibiotics. Conclusion: In this study, premature birth was found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of MIH.