Opinions of general and specialist dentists about the status of medical services provided to patients with dental-alveolar trauma in Kerman province: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Considering the high rate of dentoalveolar trauma, especially in the anterior teeth, the lack of a specialty center with trained personnel and adequate information on trauma in the large and populous city of Kerman is an important concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the opinions of general dentists and specialists who provide treatment for dentoalveolar trauma patients on the status of the associated medical services in Kerman province. Methods: The present qualitative study analyzed the current data on dental trauma to interpret the published data on the subject. This study was conducted using face-to-face interviews with general practitioners and specialists who had done dental work in Kerman province for at least one year. Participants were selected purposefully and with maximum diversity. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. To extract the data, the interviews were transcribed, and the extracted data were coded and classified. Results: Most of the dentists believed that the treatment quality for trauma patients depended on where and which dentist (a specialist or a general dental practitioner) rendered the treatment. Moreover, the patient’s knowledge, awareness, and culture are important factors. Concerning suitable treatment centers for trauma patients, all the dentists believed that there are no suitable round-the-clock treatment centers in Kerman province and the existing centers do not treat minor traumas adequately. Conclusion: Due to lack of adequate knowledge among dentists, parents, and teachers of the associated guidelines, it is recommended that meetings be held to inform dentists of these guidelines. Posters of these guidelines can also be put up in dental schools and treatment centers. It is also highly recommended that a round-the-clock treatment center be established for dentoalveolar injuries.