Who Gets to Be Read? Factors Affecting Full-Text Access Rates in Periodontology and Implantology Research

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Understanding factors influencing full-text access is crucial for scientific dissemination in Periodontology and Implantology.
• Bibliometric analysis provides insights into research impact and visibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify variables associated with full-text access rates in Periodontology and Implantology research.
• To inform strategies for enhancing the visibility and impact of published studies.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 3880 studies from top-ranking dental journals.
• Inclusion criteria focused on journals with available text access data.
• Multivariable Poisson regression analyzed variables including publication date, author country, open access status, h-index, study design, and thematic focus.

Main Results:

• Journal impact factor and open access status significantly increased access rates.
• Studies from America, Oceania, and Europe showed higher access rates compared to Asia.
• Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and literature reviews (systematic and non-systematic) had greater access than in vitro/animal studies.

Conclusions:

• Full-text access in Periodontology is strongly correlated with study design, particularly RCTs and reviews.
• Open access availability and higher journal impact factors are key drivers of article access.
• Geographic origin of research also plays a role in determining study visibility.