Virtual reality in restorative dentistry: a bibliometric analysis of research trends

Virtual reality (VR) technologies are increasingly being adopted in dental education, particularly in restorative dentistry, due to their capacity to simulate realistic clinical scenarios and enhance student learning. However, despite the growing interest, the overall research landscape in this field remains unclear. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the most influential research contributions, publication trends, and collaborative patterns related to VR in restorative dentistry.

An advanced search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) database was performed on 29th October 2024 using a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms relevant to VR and restorative dentistry. Only original research and review articles in English were included. Bibliometric parameters such as citation metrics, authorship, institutional affiliations, countries of origin, and keywords were extracted and analyzed using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer software.

Out of 434 retrieved records, 62 articles met the inclusion criteria. A marked increase in publications was observed after 2019, with the USA, UK, and Netherlands emerging as the leading contributors. The most cited article received 73 citations, focusing on haptic simulators for motor skill acquisition. The Journal of Dental Education, the European Journal of Dental Education, and BMC Medical Education were among the most prolific journals. Despite global contributions, the analysis revealed limited interdisciplinary and international collaboration.

This bibliometric study highlights the increasing research activity surrounding VR in restorative dentistry and its potential to transform dental education. While considerable progress has been made, further high-quality research and broader collaborative efforts are necessary to address existing gaps and fully harness the capabilities of VR and related immersive technologies in dental education.