The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) guidelines for the prevention of traumatic dental injuries: Part 9: Role of dental professionals

Abstract

Dental professionals can play crucial roles in the prevention of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) at many levels. Primary prevention includes education of people participating in sports or other activities where they are at risk of a TDI. It also includes the education of parents and other people involved (such as coaches, administrators, etc.). Dentists should provide preventive care by recognizing the risks and treating them, as well as by offering guidance on the use of protective devices and safety equipment. Education can be provided in person at dental clinics and hospitals, schools, and other community organizations. Online modes of education such as television channels, YouTube, and social media can also be used as effective means to spread the message as widely as possible. Regular dental examinations can help to identify and reduce the risks or chances of TDI and they are an ideal opportunity to provide customized mouthguards for patients.

Secondary prevention of TDI is almost entirely dependent upon dental professionals. Dentists must be well versed with the latest guidelines for the management of TDI that are published by the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Several clinical decision support tools such as the Tooth SOS app can also play important roles in providing immediate guidance. Dentists should be available to provide video or telephone consultations in emergency situations.

The information provided to the injured individual and/or the parents/caregivers must be adequate and in a manner that is understandable to them. The advice should be based on trying to avoid complications associated with the specific injury.

Trauma in children aged less than 6 years of age has some unique challenges that must be addressed by the dental professionals managing them. The IADT guidelines recognize this and mention that dental professionals who are well-versed in the management of children must be preferred in such situations. These scenarios are often stressful for children, parents/families, and the dental team. Hence, efforts must be made to instill a positive attitude in the injured children and improve their oral health-related quality of life.

All authors contributed to the development of this paper and approved its final form.

No funding was received for the presented work.

The authors declare there are no competing interest for the above manuscript.

No ethic approval was required for this paper.