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August 30, 2010

Field hockey players should wear headgear

New rules provide for a faster, more exciting field hockey game. Everyone wants to see an exciting high school game, be it football, hockey, lacrosse or girls field hockey. 

These sports, however, should pose the minimum risk of injury possible during play and practice.

To that end, why is girls field hockey played without any type of protective face and headgear, as is the case with the other sports mentioned?

In the past three years, I have treated two cases of significant dental trauma as the result of injury on the field hockey pitch. In both cases, an errant swing of the substantial field hockey stick resulted in injury to these players’ upper anterior teeth.

Both players required endodontic and fixed prosthodontic treatment to repair broken teeth.

Headgear of the type worn in girls and boys lacrosse would have prevented these injuries.

The Maine Principals Association, or other governing body, should consider rules to require protective headgear with a facemask as soon as possible.

Please don’t tell me this will detract from the game.

 

Gary C. Ferguson, D.M.D.

Waterville

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