PREPAREDNESS AMONG TEACHERS IN HANDLING EMERGENCY DENTAL NEEDS AMONG CHILDREN – A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS IN ASSAM

Abstract

Aim: This study compares government and private school teachers to assess their knowledge, awareness and attitude in handling dental emergencies among school children. Methodology: A comparative study was conducted among teachers from the government and private schools of Assam.150 participants from government and private schools participated in the study. The data of government school teachers were compared to the data of private school teachers. The study was statistically analysed using the chi-square test to compare the two groups of teachers. Results:  The study found that Government school teachers are better at managing a toothache in an 8-year-old child than private school teachers. A significant difference (p=0.02) is observed where most private teachers (52.1%) choose to notify the parents, while most government school teachers (66.7%) take the child to the dentist. Comparing the teachers' understanding of the age of incisor eruption, a significant difference (p=0.013) was observed, where private school teachers had a better understanding of eruption than government school teachers. Conclusion: The study found that there are few significant differences between teachers in public and private schools when it comes to managing oral crises. Both groups lack the necessary expertise to do so well. As a result, it is important to conduct more awareness campaigns about TDIs so that teachers have greater understanding and better attitudes when treating dental emergencies.