Evaluating YouTube content on dental lasers: a clinical application-based quality and reliability study

Dental laser technology is widely used across multiple clinical fields of dentistry. YouTube is a commonly used information source for both patients and healthcare professionals and may shape health-related perceptions and information-seeking behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, technical quality, and ethical standards of YouTube videos related to dental laser applications.

A structured YouTube search was conducted using the keywords "dental laser," "laser in dentistry," and "laser dentistry." Of 360 initially screened videos, 121 met the eligibility criteria. Video quality and reliability were evaluated using CQS, mDISCERN, JAMA, VIQI, GQS, and HONcode. Data normality was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test; group comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U tests, categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test, correlations with Spearman's rho, and intra- and inter-rater reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients.

Of the evaluated videos, 33 (27.3%) were classified as low quality (0-3 points), 83 (68.6%) as moderate quality (4-6 points), and 5 (4.1%) as high quality (7-9 points). The CQS showed a positive correlation with the mDISCERN (ρ = 0.421; p < 0.001), VIQI (ρ = 0.684; p < 0.001), and GQS (ρ = 0.722; p < 0.001) scores.

The quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to dental laser applications are predominantly low to moderate. There is a clear need for more accurate, comprehensive, and professionally produced videos to support patient education and informed online information seeking, while recognizing that such videos cannot replace evidence-based clinical training, professional guidelines, or manufacturer-specific safety protocols.