Bibliometric Analysis of Dental Informatics via Pubmed

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines the main characteristics of dental informatics research using bibliometric analysis of articles in the online journal database PubMed, to identify the main trends of research in dental informatics. The study aims to identify trends, geographic distribution of papers and authors, rates of collaboration, and performances of journals and institutions. 
 Methods: Information on dental informatics was extracted solely from the PubMed online journal database from January 1989 to September 2019. A three-phase search approach was employed. Bibliometrics was used to examine the growth and progress of dental informatics over time.
 Results: A total of n=236 papers on dental informatics were identified, with an average of 7.9 papers per year. The trend of papers published increased over time with 41 countries represented in this study. There were only 15 countries which had 10 or more representatives, seven of which came from Europe. North America produced the most research in dental informatics, with 149 paper affiliations and ten were cross regional, in 61% of the total papers.
 Discussion: The topic of dental informatics began in the mid to late 1980s, with the most productive years in the last decade, reaching a high point in the mid 2010s. There was a low level of international collaboration, and few conducted across different continents.
 Conclusion: There is steady increase in the pace of research in dental informatics, with growing interest in exploring various implementation methods. Collaboration has become a product of a globalised world, with the potential to share data and exchange ideas using cutting-edge technologies. As these trends continue, the field of dental informatics may see further growth and development, with more technology available to provide communication and share data points and methods becoming widespread.