An analysis of prosthodontic research productivity: geographic, economic, and collaborative perspective

This study evaluated the quantity of prosthodontic literature produced globally by continent in three prosthodontic journals over a 10-year period, 1998-2008. Prosthodontic research productivity relative to economic status of countries and collaboration among countries grouped by economic status was assessed.

Three peer-reviewed prosthodontic journals were used for the analysis of articles published in 1998, 2003, and 2008: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, International Journal of Prosthodontics, and Journal of Prosthodontics. The country of every author listed for each included article was recorded. The number of articles published by each continent and each country was reported. Countries were grouped according to the World Bank economic classification system, and the number of articles published by each economic class was found.

The majority of publications over the 10-year period were produced in Asia (Japan), Europe (Germany), and North America (USA). Productivity declined by 14.4% in high-income countries while it increased in upper middle-, lower middle-, and low-income countries. The majority of publications written by upper and lower middle- and low-income countries were independent works. Articles resulting from collaboration increased over time for all economic classes of countries.

The origins of prosthodontic literature are becoming more geographically and economically diverse, with increased contributions from Africa, Asia, and South America, and middle- and low-income countries between 1998 and 2008. Collaboration between high-income countries and the other economic group countries increased over time.