Scientometric analysis of dissertation papers on pediatric dentistry in Russia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the crucial directions of scientific research within the scientific specialty “Dentistry” is the study of pediatric dentistry as an independent area of scientific knowledge and development of its scientific directions. Comprehensive research on the development of scientific directions and assessment of modern trends in the field of pediatric dentistry over the past quarter century has not been conducted. Analysis and comparison of scientific research conducted on each problem of pediatric dentistry is warranted. AIM: To assess the state of scientific research and identify priority areas in pediatric dentistry from 1993 to 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 977 dissertation abstracts on pediatric dentistry, previously selected and added to the database, were analyzed. This study focused on dental issues in children and adolescents as presented in dissertation materials from 1993 to 2020. RESULTS: A scientific search of electronic databases revealed 977 dissertation abstracts on dental care issues in children. On average, 35.0±2.5 studies were presented annually for consideration by dissertation councils. The main research directions were as follows: pediatric therapeutic dentistry, 375 studies (38.4%); orthodontics and dentofacial anomalies in children, 229 dissertations (23.4%); epidemiology, public health, and organization of dental care for children, 125 studies (12.8%); surgical dentistry and maxillofacial surgery in children, 203 studies (20.8%); pediatric orthopedic dentistry, 33 studies (3.4%); and highly focused research (morphology, anesthesiology, etc.), 12 studies (1.2%). CONCLUSION: The study of pediatric dentistry issues in Russia has a comprehensive nature, representing one-fifth of all scientific research in dentistry as a whole.