(TC08) TootHurty: An App for Nontraumatic Dental Emergencies

Abstract: From burning candle wax, to hot wires and wooden pegs, to extraction and implantation, dental emergencies have been managed in a multitude of ways since 5000 BC. Emergencies are unscheduled visits by patients in pain, under emotional distress and seeking immediate relief. Dental emergencies are primarily associated with pain and/or swelling. The presentation is acute, disruptive to daily activities and sleep, and often not relieved by over-the-counter analgesics. In the United States, dental offices do not have overnight hours, are not open 7-days/week, and/or may not have on-call service. Many in the population do not have regular dental care providers and have limited access to care. This results in a predicament for such patients. As a result, they may seek treatment from the local hospital emergency department which is ill-equipped to manage the etiology of the problem. An estimated 77% of Americans own smartphones. This is an opportunity to connect patients and dentists in an innovative way. The purpose of this table clinic is to introduce a mobile application (app), TootHurty, for nontraumatic dental emergencies. The app serves as an educational tool for managing dental pain and allows patients to locate nearby dental providers. With promotion, the app will increase community awareness and incentivize patients to seek dental care from dentists.