Knowledge mapping of COVID-19 and dentistry: A bibliometric analysis

Dynamic Trends in Surgical Oromaxillofacial Trauma Epidemiology: A Comparative Study of Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Periods in Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Madrid

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced profound societal and healthcare transformations globally. Material and methods: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to assess potential shifts in the epidemiology and management of oromaxillofacial trauma requiring surgical intervention over a 1-year period encompassing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to the preceding year. The parameters investigated included age, sex, injury mechanisms, fractured bones, and treatment modalities. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A notable 39.36% reduction in oromaxillofacial fractures was identified (p < 0.001), with no significant alterations in sex distribution, types of fractured bones, or treatment modalities. An appreciable increase in mean age was observed (35.92 vs. 40.26) (p = 0.006). Analysis of the causes of oromaxillofacial trauma revealed diminished incidents of interpersonal violence (41% vs. 35%) and sports-related injuries (14% vs. 8%), alongside an escalation in cases attributed to falls (27% vs. 35%), precipitation events (2% vs. 5%), and traffic accidents (12% vs. 13%). The mandible emerged as the most frequently fractured bone. Conclusion: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of maxillofacial fractures treated surgically and has changed the epidemiology and the etiology of facial traumas.

Awareness of undergraduate dental students, interns, and freshly graduated dentists about oral manifestation associated with COVID-19

OBJECTIVE

There is growing evidence supporting the presence of oral manifestations associated with COVID-19. The study investigates the knowledge of dental undergraduates and recently graduated dentists concerning oral presentations related to COVID-19.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study in Saudi Arabia comprised 305 individuals, including undergraduate dental students, interns, and freshly graduated dentists. Data were collected using a questionnaire disseminated to approximately 500 subjects via WhatsApp groups and other applications. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study for validity, edited, and validated by 2 supervisors at the College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding sociodemographic attributes, the level of expertise of dental practitioners, and their knowledge and perspectives regarding COVID-19 and the implementation of oral lesions interrelated to it. The data was subjected to analysis through the utilization of descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, employing the statistical software SPSS (version 24).

RESULTS

About 43.9% of subjects stated that COVID-19 causes oral symptoms. Respondents most frequently reported COVID-19-related dry mouth. Oral ulcers, Candida infection, Hyperpigmentation, tongue coating, atrophy, Petechiae, Herpes, white lesions, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis are further symptoms. COVID-19's oral manifestation was unknown to 41.0% of subjects, and 37.7% of respondents lacked knowledge regarding the most impacted locations of oral manifestations. Oral signs and COVID-19 symptoms are debated and significantly associated with higher educational levels.

CONCLUSION

The dental students and freshly graduated dentists in this study have proper knowledge of COVID-19 and its symptoms. Also, most dental students and newly graduated dentists recognize the potential correlation between COVID-19 and oral manifestations with an average to excellent knowledge of the types and sites commonly affected. The level of awareness was associated with higher educational levels.

A bibliometric comparison of undergraduate and postgraduate endodontic education publications: The topics, trends, and challenges

OBJECTIVES

This study employs bibliometric analysis to compare knowledge units and main topics in undergraduate and postgraduate endodontic education, aiming to identify similarities, differences, and connections. The insights gained are expected to inform the future of two-stage education to enhance continuity, highlighting evolving trends, challenges, and development directions.

METHODS

Citation data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collections (WOSCC) database and non-WOSCC databases with two separate search formulas. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to analyze the distribution of research by publication years, citation-sources, co-authorship network of authors and countries, and clusters of keywords.

RESULTS

The focus on undergraduate education preceded postgraduate education by nearly a decade. The United Kingdom has emerged as the most prominent contributor to endodontic literature at both levels, with the International Endodontic Journal representing the most voluminous and cited resource in this domain. Dummer is recognized as the most prolific author in undergraduate endodontic education, while Gulabivala spearheads the most extensive cluster of postgraduate education. Keywords clustering analysis reveals that undergraduate education places greater emphasis on fundamental knowledge, while postgraduate education concentrates more on clinical practice. Descriptive analyses from non-WOSCC databases align with the topics and findings from WOSCC-based bibliometric analysis.

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric analysis revealed the emphasis on fundamental knowledge and teaching techniques at the undergraduate level versus advanced clinical knowledge and techniques at the postgraduate level, which originated from different learning aims and contexts. Updating the curriculum to meet the latest practices and innovations is crucial for aligning learning objectives with current and future needs, and the connection between the two levels remains a central challenge in endodontic education.