How Well Are Dental Students Equipped to Handle Traumatic Dental Injuries in Children?

To evaluate dental students' knowledge and confidence in managing dental trauma (TDI). An observational questionnaire-based study involving fourth-year BDSc (Hons) students from 2022 and 2023 at UQ, following their Traumatic Dental Injury module. A 44-item questionnaire assessed knowledge in managing TDI in primary dentition and fractures, subluxations and avulsion of permanent teeth. Confidence was self-reported. Scores were categorised as Below average (0%-49.9%), Average (50%-74.9%) and Above average (75%-100%). Data analysis used Jamovi (Version 2.3.18), with Prism GraphPad (Version 10.0.2) for graphs. Of 151 students, 118 completed the questionnaire (78.1% response rate). Average knowledge was 59.6%, with better understanding of primary dentition management (76.5%) and poor knowledge of avulsion management (42.6%). Most students (70.3%) demonstrated average knowledge, but 83.9% reported low confidence. Students had average knowledge but low confidence in managing TDI cases, highlighting the need for more undergraduate and postgraduate clinical exposure and preclinical simulations.