JPHC CE: Recognition and Management of Pediatric Dental Trauma and Infections

1.0 NAPNAP contact hour. This continuing education activity is offered free to NAPNAP Members. For nonmembers, this continuing education activity rate is $10. 
Dental emergencies are common during childhood and typically occur due to trauma or infection. The current evidence on managing dental injuries is from a dental perspective, with limited information on treating pediatric dental injuries in medical settings. Proper treatment of infection, correct storage, prompt repositioning, and replantation are essential for successful outcomes, as supported by the latest evidence-based guidelines. Pediatric patients have a better prognosis when proper treatment is provided without delay. Understanding potential issues enables providers to assess the severity of the condition, offer initial guidance and management, and recommend appropriate follow-up dental care. This continuing education activity aims to educate providers on how to care for children with low-acuity dental injuries and infections using an evidence-based approach. J pediatr Health Care. (2026) 40, 451-463.

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Participants are forbidden to reproduce, republish, redistribute, or resell this course in any other form. For copyright-related questions, please email your question to: [email protected] 

Copyright © 2025 by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This continuing education activity is administered by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) as an Agency providing continuing education credit. Individuals who complete this program and earn a 70% or higher score on the post test will be awarded 1.0 NAPNAP contact hour.

Keywords: Pediatric, dental injuries, dental infections, periapical abscess, tooth avulsion

Target Audience

Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the prevalence of dental emergencies in the United States.
2. Recognize the most common pediatric dental emergencies presenting to nondental settings.
3. Examine evidence-based management strategies for primary versus permanent dentition injuries.
4. Develop a patient-centered care plan that incorporates appropriate pharmacological interventions.

 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 Contact hours
Course opens: 
05/01/2026
Course expires: 
06/30/2027
Cost:
$10.00
Rating: 
0

Lisa  Schaeg Merritt, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC/AC,  Nurse Practitioner,  Department of Pediatric
Emergency Medicine, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital,  St.Louis,  MO.

Katelyn Glaenzer, DMD, MS, HIVPCP, Pediatric Dentist in Private Practice, Skyview Pediatric Dentistry, Town and Country, MO.

Disclosure: 
The authors declare there is nothing to disclose

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
In accordance with standard ethical guidelines, the authors disclose no relationships with businesses or industries that could present a conflict of interest.
 

Correspondence:
Lisa Schaeg Merritt, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC/AC
1465 South Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104
e-mail: [email protected]

 

 

 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 Contact hours

Price

Cost:
$10.00
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