The application of quantum dots in dental and oral medicine: A scoping review

To present an overview of quantum dots' (QDs) applications in dental and oral medicine, identify research gaps in existing relevant research, and provide insights into future research.

An extensive electronic search was conducted across five databases from their inception to April 2024, complemented by a manual search. There were no restrictions regarding language or publication year.

Out of 2,483 records identified, 87 studies were included for analysis. The first application of QDs in dentistry was to use their bioimaging capabilities, which is their most well-known functionalities in the biomedical area. In the last 5 years, the number of studies has increased (n = 52), while the study areas have gradually broadened, demonstrating its unique form of application in dentistry. Included studies span seven key areas: bioimaging (n = 21), antibacterial effect (n = 20), tooth restoration (n = 15), oral cancer therapy (n = 12), tissue engineering (n = 10), biosensing (n = 6), and anti-inflammation (n = 3). Amongst the included studies, carbon-based QDs received the greatest attention (n = 54), owing to their excellent biocompatibility and readily functionalizable surface.

This review emphasizes the great potential of QDs in enhancing the quality and efficiency of dental clinical diagnosis and treatment. They not only show the possibility of applications beyond the traditional function, but also provide a completely new concept for improving oral disease diagnosis and treatment technology. However, successful clinical translation requires ongoing research and optimization, which is a critical process.