Publication Performance and Trends in Dental Anxiety Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

TL;DR

This study maps the growth and themes in dental anxiety research over 30 years, showing rising interest and a focus on treatments like CBT and virtual reality.

Contribution

The study provides a detailed bibliometric analysis of dental anxiety research trends and thematic evolution from 1991 to 2024.

Findings

Dental anxiety research has seen significant growth, especially in recent years.

Five main research themes were identified, including treatment approaches like CBT and virtual reality.

Pediatric dentistry consistently emerged as a key focus area for early interventions.

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis aimed to systematically evaluate publication performance and identify evolving trends in dental anxiety research over the past three decades, providing a structured overview of key research topics and thematic progression.

The study analyzed 1556 articles indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded database from 1991 to 2024. Data extraction included titles, abstracts, author keywords, and Keywords Plus. The analytical approach incorporated bibliometric indicators such as total citations, citations per publication, and annual publication trends. A word analysis technique identified five major research topics and their evolution across three distinct periods: 1991–2011, 2012–2019, and 2020–2024.

Analysis highlighted significant growth in dental anxiety research publications, particularly in recent years, reflecting increased global interest. The study identified five main thematic areas: etiology and risk factors, clinical presentation and consequences, prevalence and assessment tools, treatment and preventive interventions, and pediatric dentistry. The trends indicated a growing emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches, like cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) and adjunctive therapies such as virtual reality and aromatherapy. Pediatric dentistry consistently emerged as a critical field, underscoring the importance of early interventions.

This bibliometric review demonstrated substantial advancements in understanding dental anxiety, emphasizing multidisciplinary treatments and tailored pediatric interventions. Future research should focus on integrating novel therapeutic strategies and refining preventive measures to mitigate dental anxiety effectively.

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