Practitioner-related factors that may influence knowledge and confidence of TDI management in children; a scoping review

PURPOSE: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are the fifth most common chronic disease/injury globally, with 90% of TDIs occurring before the age of 20 years. Initial management of TDIs can influence their prognosis, yet the literature reports a low to moderate knowledge level among practitioners and a reluctance to manage TDIs. The aim of this study was to examine the factors related to general practitioner knowledge and confidence in management of TDIs in children. METHODS: A search strategy was conducted on Pubmed and Embase, with searches limited to English language. Five concepts were addressed using a combination of Emtree/MeSH terms and free-text keywords. RESULTS: Twenty-three relevant studies were identified. Lack of knowledge and confidence was highlighted worldwide and influenced by practitioner-related factors. Generally, knowledge levels decreased as years since graduation increased. Lack of exposure to TDIs and low self-assessment of knowledge also negatively impacted knowledge. Confidence was lowest among recently qualified practitioners and declined as injury complexity increased. Lack of awareness of recent IADT guidelines negatively affected both knowledge and confidence. CONCLUSION: Lack of GDP knowledge of TDI management in children can be associated with being longer qualified, lacking exposure to TDIs, and having a poor self-evaluated knowledge. GDPs who are longer qualified tend to have greater confidence in managing TDIs. Increasing awareness of IADT guidelines is essential for all practitioners. Traumatology mobile applications featuring gamification could be used to engage and promote confidence of newly qualified dentists.