Concussion Recognition and the Dentist’s Role in Sideline Screening and Referral

Concussion awareness has never been higher across youth, collegiate, and professional sports. As sports medicine teams become more interdisciplinary, dentists are increasingly recognized as valuable contributors, not only for managing orofacial trauma but also for helping identify potential head injuries and supporting safe return-to-play decisions.

Team dentists are often among the first healthcare professionals to evaluate athletes following facial impact. Because concussive forces are frequently associated with blows to the jaw, teeth, and facial skeleton, dentists are in a unique position to recognize red flags that may indicate a possible concussion. Symptoms such as altered bite, jaw pain, facial numbness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or visual disturbances may present alongside dental trauma and should prompt immediate referral for medical evaluation.

In the sideline environment, the dentist’s role is not to diagnose a concussion, but to participate in early screening and triage. Working closely with athletic trainers, team physicians, and neurologists, dentists can help identify concerning signs, initiate appropriate referrals, and ensure that no athlete returns to play without proper medical clearance. Clear communication and adherence to established concussion protocols are essential to protecting athletes' health and safety.

Mouthguards also play an important role in this conversation. While no appliance can fully prevent a concussion, properly fitted custom mouthguards can help reduce the risk of dental and jaw injuries and may help distribute forces during impact. Dentists are uniquely qualified to educate athletes, coaches, and parents on the protective value of well-designed mouthguards as part of a comprehensive injury prevention strategy.

In addition to concussion screening and referral, the team dentist plays a critical role in the immediate assessment and management of orofacial injuries on the sideline. Responsibilities often include evaluation of tooth fractures, luxations, avulsions, soft-tissue lacerations, jaw injuries, and compromised mouthguards. The dentist may provide temporary stabilization, control bleeding, relieve pain, and determine whether an athlete can safely return to play or requires urgent transport.

A well-prepared sideline dental trauma kit is essential and may include items such as sterile gloves, gauze, saline, suture materials, hemostatic agents, dental mirrors and explorers, periodontal probes, temporary restorative materials, orthodontic wire and composite for splinting, flexible splints, wire cutters, avulsion storage media, local anesthetic, and preformed or boil-and-bite mouthguards for emergency replacement. Digital tools such as a penlight, camera, and access to intraoral scanners or imaging (when available) can further support rapid documentation and referral.

Through rapid assessment, proper triage, and close coordination with athletic trainers and physicians, the team dentist helps ensure that facial and dental injuries and potential head trauma are managed efficiently and safely, in accordance with return-to-play protocols.

As sports dentistry continues to evolve, the dentist’s role on the sideline extends beyond teeth alone. By recognizing potential concussive injuries, supporting interdisciplinary care, and promoting preventive strategies, team dentists are becoming integral members of the athlete healthcare team. This growing responsibility underscores the importance of advanced training, such as that offered through ASD’s Team Dentist Course, to ensure dentists are prepared to contribute confidently and effectively in today’s sports medicine environment.