Dental Splints in Dentoalveolar Trauma: An Overview of Public Healthcare Services in Brazil

BACKGROUND/AIM: The prognosis of traumatized teeth might be influenced by the type and quality of the dental splint. This prospective observational study was aimed to evaluate the indications and quality of dental splints performed in a comprehensive public oral health service in the city of Uberlândia, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2024 and January 2025, 51 dental splints involving 320 teeth were evaluated. Data of the dental splint types (semi-rigid or rigid), splint characteristics, polishing of resin composite, plaque retention, oral hygiene orientation, patient satisfaction, duration of the splint, and adherence to IADT protocol were recorded. Data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Most dental splints were semi-rigid using fishing nylon line (58.8%); 49% showed improper alignment. Visible plaque was presented in 73.4% and gingival inflammation in 66.9% of the dental splints. Only 32.6% of treated patients received oral hygiene instructions. Diagnostic errors were found in 19.6% of cases, and 31.4% did not follow the recommended protocols regarding the correct dental splint rigidity. CONCLUSION: Gaps related to splint indication, application, and follow-up were observed within the public healthcare services evaluated in this study. Reinforcing the necessity of training and continuing education, protocol standardization and better recording documentation are essential to enhance trauma care outcomes follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC) under the UTN code: U1111-1309-8338.