Trends and Research Hotspots in Technology-Enhanced Dental Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

Digital transformation has reshaped dental education over the past decade, driving a shift from traditional, instructor-centred teaching toward technology-driven training. This study aimed to map research hotspots, trends, and conceptual structures related to educational technologies in dental education between 2015 and 2025.

A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. Articles published between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved and analysed using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer. Publication trends, trend topics, keyword co-occurrence, citation patterns, and thematic and conceptual structure maps were examined to identify dominant research areas and emerging themes.

A total of 749 publications were included, showing an annual growth rate of 12.47%, indicating an emerging yet expanding field. Trend topic analysis revealed that early studies (2015-2018) focused on teaching methods and assessment, whereas post-2020 research shifted toward digital and simulation-based learning, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The top three high-impact keywords based on average citation are "deep learning", "computer simulation" and "augmented reality". Conceptual structure mapping revealed four main domains: Technological innovation, pedagogy, clinical skill learning, and adaptive education, reflecting a shift toward digitally integrated and technology-supported teaching approaches in dental education. The thematic map identified e-learning and online learning as key motor themes driving digital transformation, with foundational themes such as simulation, VR, and digital dentistry supporting this shift.

This study highlights a decade of pedagogical and technological evolution in dental education. Bibliometric mapping reveals growing scholarly engagement with digital and simulation-based learning, supporting a transition toward student-centred, competency-based, and technology-integrated curricula.