Sir, I read with interest the recent publication in the BDJ entitled 'Top tips for the immediate management of dental trauma' by C. Seeballuck et al.1 in which the authors mention resources such as the Dental Trauma Guide and Dental Trauma UK websites as well as the ToothSOS mobile app in the management of dental trauma.

It would be of interest to note that clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) in the print or web/mobile app-based form have been demonstrated as effective tools in the management and diagnosis of traumatic injuries to the dentition.2,3 There is evidence in the literature to support the absence of a pathway for decision-making for dental trauma in emergency departments dealing with paediatric dental injuries. This makes the incorporation of CDSTs more valuable. Dental injuries may not necessarily present to the dentist but may also have to be managed initially by medical professionals, which further underscores the importance of incorporating CDSTs. One such study has highlighted the improvement in performance exhibited by medical students when aided with CDSTs in the context of diagnosing and managing paediatric dental trauma.3

Web/mobile-app based resources, however, need to have a sound basis in literature. Of these, the app Dental Trauma has the endorsement of the IADT and AcciDent is one app which is tailored for usage by dental professionals.2