Dental traumatology has progressed in recent years to improve understanding of the biological considerations involved in diagnosis and treatment principles. Through public awareness efforts, lay people are more knowledgeable about dental trauma (e.g. knowing to put an avulsed tooth in milk). Research explores new approaches (e.g. laser doppler flowmeter) for pulpal evaluation and materials (e.g. Emdogain). The future has promise for even more successful management of traumatic dental injuries.