The Effect of Using an Educational Poster on Elementary School Health Teachers’ Knowledge of Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an educational poster on elementary school health teachers’ knowledge about emergency management of traumatic dental injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before poster presentation, a questionnaire was distributed to 40 health teachers (30 in the study group and 10 in the control group). One month after poster distribution, the subjects were re-evaluated in both groups using the same questionnaire. RESULTS: The percentage of participating health teachers who answered the questions correctly after poster distribution regarding crown fracture was 93.3% in the test group vs. 60% in controls; for management of luxation and avulsion, the percentages for cases and controls were 63.3% vs. 40% and 100% vs. 60%, respectively. One month after distribution of the educational poster, rate of correct responses increased in management of crown fracture, luxation, and avulsion in the test group, but there was no improvement in controls (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Use of an educational poster enhanced the knowledge of health teachers. Use of posters is an effective way to inform teachers of the management of traumatic dental injuries.