Knowledge and aptitude of early childhood, primary and/or secondary education teachers referred to first aid measures in dental trauma in the province of Seville (Spain.)

ABSTRACT The high of childhood dental trauma requires childcare professionals to have basic notions of dental first aid. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and aptitude (defined as the ability to operate competently in a given activity) of early childhood, primary and/or secondary education teachers from Seville (Spain) referred to first aid measures in dental trauma. A descriptive study was made. The study sample consisted of 442 teachers (334 women and 108 men) coinciding proportionately with the study target population in terms of gender distribution, type of center and teaching level. Methods A specifically designed questionnaire was used. Results Most of the participants (88.5%, n=391) exhibited poor knowledge and aptitude, 11.5% (n=51) showed medium level knowledge and aptitude, and none were categorized as having high knowledge and aptitude. Conclusion These findings could be explained by the fact that 98% of those surveyed had never received any training in this area.