Evaluation of parents’ awareness levels of traumatic dental injuries: The ToothSOS mobile application and “Save Your Tooth” posters

Aim: This survey study aimed to assess the awareness of parents of pediatric dental patients regarding the “ToothSOS” mobile application and the “Save Your Tooth” posters created by the International Association of Dental Traumatology. Methodology: This study included 303 participants who applied to Health Sciences University, Gülhane Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, between 02/01/2021 and 05/31/2021. The survey comprised visually supported questions to measure the participants’ demographic features, previous dental trauma experiences, awareness of mobile dental trauma applications, and knowledge of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages and were compared using the chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: The results showed that parents’ awareness levels regarding TDIs were insufficient. No significant difference was detected in the knowledge levels of parents of children with and without a history of dental trauma. However, significantly correct answers were obtained to the avulsion injury questions from parents with high education levels. Conclusion: Given the results of this study, it is recommended that dental health providers focus on TDI education for parents.