Abstract
Aims: To investigate the experiences of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s children and adolescents, along with their families who have suffered a dental avulsion injury to their permanent maxillary central incisors; and to examine the barriers they face in accessing immediate dental care.
Methods: Exploratory qualitative research using recorded semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were recruited via social media and advertisements.
Results: Eleven children/adolescents, with their parents, were interviewed via zoom and in person. Thematic analysis identified five major themes: the injury, challenges in seeking emergency dental care, emotional and psychological impact (key finding), treatment experience & outcome, and barriers & enablers. The extent of the impact varied based on awareness among parent/caregiver/teacher, barrier(s) to access, and treatment outcomes. Parents with prior dental trauma knowledge sought immediate dental treatment and reported a positive treatment experience, which in turn was associated with a positive psychological and emotional impact. The lack of parental dental trauma knowledge combined with lack of access and/or poor treatment outcome had a negative impact. Participants of this study identified many barriers which were categorised into personal and systemic factors. These include lack of knowledge among parent/caregiver/teacher, inability to retrieve the avulsed tooth, location of the injury, lack of parking space, lack of access to immediate dental care, and cost. These identified barriers are consistent with the published literature.
Conclusion: This study describes the experiences and impact of dental avulsion on children/adolescents and their families in New Zealand. Many barriers still exist in accessing emergency dental care in Aotearoa/New Zealand. More education and information of dental avulsions and their immediate care is required for effective management.