A bibliometric analysis of minimally invasive dentistry: A review of the literature from 1994 to 2021.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Minimally invasive dentistry is a technique for the maximal preservation of healthy tooth structures and has been a focus of attention in dental research. However, a detailed bibliometric analysis focusing on research related to minimally invasive dentistry is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this bibliometric analysis was to analyze leading countries and organizations and to identify the preferred journals, the most productive authors, and the most commonly used keywords in the field of minimally invasive dentistry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search was performed by using the Scopus database, and publications pertinent to the field of minimally invasive dentistry from 1994 to 2021 were identified. A bibliometric analysis with reference to citations and documents, authors, journals, and keywords was performed. A total of 391 articles published in Scopus indexed journals between 1994 and January 2021 were analyzed by using a software program. RESULTS: A continuing yet steady increase in research publications was identified, with a substantial increase in publications since 2013. The United States and Germany were the countries that published the most articles (98 and 46, respectively), articles that received 1877 and 806 citations, respectively. Cardiff University, UK, was the most productive organization that received 212 citations. The most highly cited articles were from the Q1 category. Blum from King's College London was the highest-cited author in this field. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable advancement has been made in minimally invasive dentistry, as demonstrated by the increase in the number of publications linked with collaboration among various authors, nations, and institutes. This citation analysis gives a perspective on the progress of research in the field of minimally invasive dentistry and allows identification of the most significant and pertinent research areas.

Perception of dental students and faculty regarding the practice of professionalism in dentistry using the Professionalism Mini Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX).

BACKGROUND: Professionalism is one of the fundamental traits which includes behaviors, commitments, standards, and goals that helps define a profession. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the attitude of dental students and graduates regarding the practice of professionalism in dentistry using the Professionalism Mini Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) questionnaire. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the dental undergraduates, lecturers and postgraduate faculty. Views regarding professionalism were assessed using the P-MEX. The 24-questions based survey form is comprised of questions related to doctor and patient relationship skills, reflective abilities, time management, and lastly, interprofessional relationship expertise. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were done using mean and SD, whilst associations between responses were assessed using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: From a total of 201 participants, 95 (47.3%) were males and 106 (52.7%) were females. Statistically significant association was seen between time management, reflective skills, and interpersonal skills with gender, as well as the domains of P-MEX and years of education. CONCLUSION: The use of P-MEX provides a valid confirmation for the assessment and awareness of professionalism amongst the dental faculty and students. Females demonstrated higher traits of professionalism as compared to males. The findings from the current study identify that students and faculty members had sufficient awareness regarding professionalism and the practice of professionalism was routinely followed.

Role of mineral trioxide aggregate in dentistry: A bibliometric analysis using Scopus database.

OBJECTIVES: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has a long history of providing predictable clinical outcomes in dental applications especially in endodontic procedures. This bibliometric analysis aimed at evaluating the advancements of research in mineral trioxide aggregate and its use in the field of dentistry, together with the detection of most significant authors, organizations, countries, journals, papers, and the exploration of commonly used keywords using a structured approach. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The search was conducted using the Elsevier's Scopus database, gathering publication information related to MTA published from 1993 and 2021 July. Metadata comprising of titles, abstracts, keywords, authors, organizations, and countries were obtained. Bibliometric evaluators with respect to authors, articles published, journals, keywords, and top countries were scrutinized. Data was analyzed using VOS viewer. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2021, an uptrend in the research performed on MTA was identified. Researchers from United States, Brazil, and Iran actively contributed on MTA, while papers from USA were highly cited. The Journal of Endodontics along with International Endodontic Journal were the top contributing academic journals. Hacettepe University, Turkey and Cardiff University from United Kingdom were the top most contributing organizations. Mahmoud Torabinejad was the most cited author. Most commonly used keywords included Mineral trioxide aggregate, silicate, oxide, root canal filling material. CONCLUSION: The global rise in the number of publications on mineral trioxide aggregate, tremendous networking and citations have been identified amongst various organizations, authors, and nations through this bibliometric analysis.