The International Association of Dental Traumatology ToothSOS mobile app: A 2-year report

A systematic search, heuristic evaluation and analysis of dental trauma mobile applications

BACKGROUND

Despite the exponential growth of mobile device applications in promoting awareness on traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), the overall validity of existing applications in content, engagement, usability, functionality, esthetics, and user perception remains largely uncertain.

AIMS

The primary aim was to systematically search and assess the quality, functionality, perceived impact and usability of available applications related to TDIs using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) and the Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-Revised (CA-LO-RE) scale. A heuristic evaluation was additionally performed. The secondary aim was to categorize existing mobile applications according to their target users, including general population, dentists, dental students, medical healthcare professionals, and researchers.

METHODS

A systematic search for dental trauma applications (free and paid) was conducted using the AppStore and Google Play store. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and quality assessment for all the included applications using uMARS and CA-LO-RE. A user experience architect conducted a heuristic evaluation.

RESULTS

Only 6 of the 3061 initially screened applications were eligible for qualitative and quantitative assessments. These applications' average star uMARS rating was 12.5 (standard deviation [SD] 2.6). The mean and SD for the uMARS objective items were as follows: A-engagement (mean 12.1 [SD 3.3]), B-functionality (mean 15.5 [SD 1.4]), C-esthetics (mean 9.5 [SD 2.5]), and D-information (mean 13 [SD 4.5]). The severity rating for the heuristic evaluation criteria was low to moderate for all the included applications, excluding tooth emergencies with a high severity score.

CONCLUSION

Despite moderate quality, functionality, user perception, behavioural impact and usability scores, the inclusion of advanced features to "engagement" and "usability" in existing trauma based apps will enhance their purpose. A design-thinking approach coupled with interactive features is recommended for future mobile applications on TDIs.

Evaluation of the knowledge level of pediatricians on dental trauma and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application: A cross sectional study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pediatricians play an essential role in managing pediatric oral emergencies; hence, they should have accurate information on dental injuries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of pediatricians regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey comprising 10 questions was created on Google forms, and the links were sent to the participants via electronic mail and a mobile application. The demographic characteristics and the knowledge level of pediatricians about TDI and their awareness of the ToothSOS mobile application were evaluated. The questions were prepared by following similar studies and the current guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology.

RESULTS

A total of 229 pediatricians (74.2% female) participated in this study. The correct answer rates revealed statistical differences in terms of profession and experience on the following issues: the most frequently traumatized tooth, the preference of the antibiotic agent, and the management of avulsed primary tooth (p < .05). The decision to consult a dentist revealed statistical differences in the profession (p = .001). The correct answers on the correlation between the age group and dental trauma accompanied by soft tissue injuries showed statistical differences in experience (p = .005). Although none of the participants knew the ToothSOS application, 91.7% of them preferred using this tool in future practices. This rate was statistically higher in participants with an experience of more than 10 years (p = .013).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge level of pediatricians regarding dental trauma was found to be sufficient, except for the questions on avulsion injuries. However, the fact that the participants were unaware of the ToothSOS mobile application was the most considerable result of the study, and this finding highlighted the importance of informing pediatricians dealing with oral injuries regarding the latest updates on dental traumatology.

Seeking treatment for traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren: A multilevel analysis

To investigate individual and contextual factors associated with seeking treatment for traumatic dental injuries. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 pairs of guardians and children. Guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, seeking treatment for a tooth injury in the child, and the Oral Health Literacy-Adult Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and unadjusted and adjusted multilevel Poisson regression analysis (p<0.05). The prevalence of seeking treatment for traumatic dental injury was 44.7%. Sociodemographic variables associated were white skin of the child (PR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.08-1.76), mother's age older than 35 years (PR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.50-1.90), married parents (PR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.70-2.23), guardians with more than eight years of schooling (PR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.76-2.23), with adequate oral health literacy (PR = 3.33; 95% CI: 3.01-3.62) and the daily use of electronic devices by the child (PR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02-1.50). On the contextual level, attending a private school (PR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.02-3.05) and the number of primary care units with oral health teams in the school district (PR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.12-2.38) remained associated. Among the children who suffered TDI, adequate oral health literacy on the part of the parents stood out among the factors associated with seeking treatment.

Mobile apps for oral healthcare: recommendations for navigating uncharted terrain

The past two years have prompted significant changes with regards to how healthcare is both taught and delivered. There has been a shift towards remote healthcare interventions where appropriate. As we return towards pre-pandemic practice, we must recognise that the healthcare environment has permanently changed. It is vital that safeguards and 'pandemic proofing' are built into healthcare provision.The prevalence of personal digital devices continues to increase, along with internet coverage. This technological revolution has also brought with it a plethora of free or cheap online platforms that allow individuals with limited IT skills to make mobile applications (apps). These factors create a perfect environment for considering mobile apps as viable, widespread healthcare interventions. There is also great potential for these to contribute to tackling inequality, reducing barriers and enhancing healthcare access. However, their use must be carefully considered.This article discusses the myriad of considerations pertaining to both developing and recommending mobile apps for healthcare. Examples of contemporaneous examples will be used, in conjunction with an app developed by the authors to demonstrate the process of creating bespoke resources.

Effectiveness of the ToothSOS App as a training tool for the emergency management of traumatic dental injuries among non-dentists

BACKGROUND/AIM

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a major and urgent problem in oral health. Therefore, non-dentists need to be conscious of the emergency management of TDIs. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the ToothSOS App on the level of knowledge about emergency management of TDIs among people who are not dental professionals.

MATERIALS METHODS

One hundred and five non-dentists, aged 22-57 years, participated in this study and were given training on TDIs. The ToothSOS App launched by the IADT was used as a training tool. A 25-question survey was conducted three times; before the ToothSOS App was downloaded and reviewed (T₀ ), immediately after (T₁ ), and one month later (T₂ ).

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference among the three time periods (p < .001) in terms of the knowledge about the management of TDIs, and the knowledge increased significantly (p < .001) at both T₁ and T₂ after reviewing the ToothSOS App. On a scale from 0 to 10, the mean correct scores increased from 2.85 ± 2.15 (median [min-max]: 2[0-10]) to 8.23 ± 2.21 (median [min-max]: 9 [1-10]) (effect size: 2.5) at T₁ and to 7.40 ± 2.34 (median [min-max]: 8 [1-10]) (effect size: 2.1) at T₂ .

CONCLUSION

The ToothSOS App as a training tool was effective to increase the knowledge level of individuals about the emergency management of TDIs.

Parental and training coaches' knowledge and attitude towards dental trauma management of children

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate parental and training coaches' knowledge and attitude towards traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 31-item questionnaire was distributed to the parents and training coaches attending local sporting clubs in Brisbane region, Australia. The questionnaire consisted of five parts (i) demographic and professional information; (ii) TDIs in the primary dentition; (iii) fractures and subluxation of permanent teeth (iv) avulsion of permanent teeth, and (v) information and knowledge related to the management of traumatized teeth. The jamovi (Version 1.6.3) and GraphPad Prism were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 233 participants were surveyed, 211 parents and 22 coaches. Of all types of injuries, parental knowledge of managing avulsion to permanent teeth was poorest (9.5%), followed by management of injuries of primary teeth (17.5%) and management of fractures or subluxation of permanent teeth (29.4%). Parents in health care occupations had higher satisfaction on self-knowledge in managing TDIs however there was no significant difference in knowledge levels between health care personnel and other professions (P = 0.128). There was a discrepancy between the lack of knowledge and willingness to further self-educate with online platforms being the preferred medium.

CONCLUSION

The study showed a gap in parents' and training coaches' knowledge regarding the management of TDIs among children.

Critical appraisal of the information available on traumatic dental injuries found in applications

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are a public health problem and the search for information becomes essential to help in their management. The aim of this study was to search existing TDI applications (Apps) to critically describe the characteristics and main information found in them regarding TDI.

METHODOLOGY

Searches were performed in the Play Store (Android) and App Store (iOS), using MeSH terms, synonyms and terms related to dental emergencies and TDI, in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Apps with information on the management of post-TDI emergencies or TDI prevention were included. The type of operating system (Android/iOS), cost (free/paid), target audience (dentist/patient), age of classification (free/>17 years old), language, star rating (1★ to 5★), number of downloads and post-download ratings, type of dentition (primary/permanent), reference used for classification according to TDI type and management (International Association for Dental Traumatology/Andreasen/others/not reported), and available content (prevention/emergency management/preservation/illustrations) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 486 apps, 13 were eligible: 11 for Android and 2 for iOS. Most were free (92.3%), for patients (38.4%) and had a free age classification (90.9%). The main language was English (53.8%), and most of the Apps either had no information on star ratings (46.1%) or received 4★ (23.1%). The number of downloads was not reported (23.1%) or was fewer than 100 (23.1%). Most of the Apps were for permanent teeth (61.5%) and had explanations about dental management for TDI emergencies (92.3%) and multiple TDIs (61.5%). Most Apps addressed the importance of monitoring TDIs (76.9%) and contained illustrative images (76.9%). However, many did not report the TDI classification (46.1%), and 38.5% reported TDI prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Information on dental trauma management according to dental injury, inclusion of images, target audience, type of TDI and their prevention varied in the available Apps. However, most were focused on permanent teeth and addressed several TDI in English language only.