ArticleBDJ open2025
Virtual reality in restorative dentistry: a bibliometric analysis of research trends.
Article in BDJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Design, Implementation, and Effectiveness of Virtual Reality and Digital Simulation Tools for Pediatric Dental Behavior Management Education: Systematic Review.JMIR serious games · 2026Review
- Comparison of virtual reality and conventional teaching in dental education: A randomized study.Journal of education and health promotion · 2026Article
- Digital intelligence in dental technology education: curriculum and practical teaching reform.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundVirtual reality (VR) technologies are increasingly being adopted in dental education, particularly in restorative dentistry, due to their capacity to simulate realistic clinical scenarios and enhance student learning. However, despite the growing interest, the overall research landscape in this field remains unclear. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the most influential research contributions, publication trends, and collaborative patterns related to VR in restorative dentistry.
methodsAn advanced search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database was performed on 29th October 2024 using a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms relevant to VR and restorative dentistry. Only original research and review articles in English were included. Bibliometric parameters such as citation metrics, authorship, institutional affiliations, countries of origin, and keywords were extracted and analyzed using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer software.
resultsOut of 434 retrieved records, 62 articles met the inclusion criteria. A marked increase in publications was observed after 2019, with the USA, UK, and Netherlands emerging as the leading contributors. The most cited article received 73 citations, focusing on haptic simulators for motor skill acquisition. The Journal of Dental Education, the European Journal of Dental Education, and BMC Medical Education were among the most prolific journals. Despite global contributions, the analysis revealed limited interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
conclusionThis bibliometric study highlights the increasing research activity surrounding VR in restorative dentistry and its potential to transform dental education. While considerable progress has been made, further high-quality research and broader collaborative efforts are necessary to address existing gaps and fully harness the capabilities of VR and related immersive technologies in dental education.
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.