The effect of dental trauma management resources on dental practitioners' self-reported confidence and knowledge in the United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVES

To assess dental practitioners' knowledge, confidence, and use of evidence-based resources, specifically the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) guidelines and the Dental Trauma Guide (DTG), in the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among licensed general dental practitioners, pediatric dentists, and endodontists in the UAE. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed via multiple recruitment channels. The instrument collected demographic information, self-reported confidence levels, awareness, and use of trauma-management resources, as well as responses to two clinical scenarios. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test; p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 108 dentists participated (response rate of 54%). Overall awareness of the IADT guidelines and DTG was moderate (50.5% and 58.3%, respectively). Pediatric dentists demonstrated significantly greater confidence in managing both simple and complex TDIs than general practitioners and endodontists (p < 0.01). Dentists with ≤5 years of experience reported significantly lower confidence in managing complex injuries (p = 0.005). Limited clinical exposure and lack of formal training were the most frequently reported barriers to confidence. Case scenario responses revealed notable gaps in evidence-based decision-making, particularly in the management of complex crown fractures and intruded primary incisors.

CONCLUSION

Dentists in the UAE exhibit variable knowledge and confidence in TDI management, with inconsistent use of evidence-based guidelines. Specialty, experience, and exposure to trauma cases strongly influenced confidence and decision-making. These findings underscore the need for enhanced undergraduate training, ongoing education, and broader dissemination of the IADT guidelines and DTG to enhance the quality of dental trauma care in the UAE.