Dubai: Dental injuries among schoolchildren could lead to significant negative physical and emotional effects on them, and this is why the emergency phase should be handled with extra care and enough knowledge, said experts during a workshop for school nurses and physical education teachers on Wednesday.
With dental injuries among schoolchildren as high as 20 per cent, dental experts at the workshop said school nurses and physical education teachers can play a vital role in managing the emergency phase of the trauma and help establish preventive measures to avoid future injuries.
Falls, fights and sporting activities are behind some of the most common dental injuries like fractured, displaced teeth or tooth loss, leading to serious public health problems if appropriate action is not taken within 30-60 minutes of the injury, said the experts.
Organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammad College of Dental Medicine (HBMCDM), a college of the Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the workshop aimed to raise the level of knowledge about dental trauma.
Dr Khawla Bel Houl, Director of Clinical Operation, HBMCDM, said, “Our goal is to share best practices in improving the emergency management of dental injuries. We believe there should be more interaction between school staff and dental professionals to manage dental injuries and improve knowledge.”
The workshop, which took place at the Mohammad Bin Rashid Academic Medical Centre at Dubai Healthcare City and represented more than 20 schools, highlighted the prevalence of dental trauma in schoolchildren and gender influence. In addition, nurses and teachers were given resources to improve oral health programmes.
Manal Al Halabi, Programme Director, Paediatric Dentistry, HBMCDM, explained that dental emergency care providers can ensure better outcomes for young patients when school nurses and physical education teachers are trained.
“Dental emergencies should be dealt in a timely and effective manner. Untreated dental trauma can lead to serious issues such as disfigurement, spreading of infections, and even tooth loss,” she added.
Speaking on the collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Mohammad College of Dental Medicine, Hind Al Mualla, Chief of Engagement, KHDA, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with the initiative by the Hamdan Bin Mohammad College of Dental Medicine to promote the health and safety of students through a series of awareness and training programmes.”
Hind added, “We welcome the efforts of all organisations attempting to improve student health in Dubai’s private schools. Doctors, nurses and physical education teachers play an important role in assessing the physical and mental health needs of schoolchildren and we are keen to support their development.”
