Parental Knowledge of Traumatic Dental Injury Management in Hail, Saudi Arabia

Background: Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDIs) occur in approximately 37% of children globally, with nearly 16% involving permanent tooth avulsion, primarily in children aged 7-11 years. Objective: To examine Saudi parents’ awareness regarding the identification and management of TDIs in children. Methods: A total of 552 parents in Hail, Saudi Arabia completed a structured and validated questionnaire on managing tooth fractures and avulsions. Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used to evaluate associations between demographic variables and TDI awareness. Results: 87.7% of parents had witnessed a TDI; however, only 16.5% had attended a TDI education course. 28.1% had received prior information on TDIs, mainly from dentists (55.5%). While 84.4% recognized the need for urgent dental care, only 33.2% chose correct preservation methods for avulsed teeth. Government-employed and college-educated parents were more likely to feel confident managing TDIs (p<0.05). However, no demographic factor showed significant association with overall TDI knowledge scores. Conclusion: Despite frequent exposure to TDIs, parents in Hail exhibit gaps in effective TDI management knowledge. Educational programs tailored to various demographic groups are essential to improve outcomes in emergency dental care.