Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Purpose: Scholarly research is considered as a yardstick to measure progress and development in any country, institution, or subject or individual. This study describes the growth of publications in the field of dentistry by researchers affiliated to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the two decades from 1998 to 2017.
Research Design: This observational and quantitative analysis on dental research growth in KSA is based upon the data retrieved from Scopus database. This study was carried out at the College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS). Bibliometric indicators such as year-wise growth, productive author, research-type, source publication, productive national institutions, international research collaboration and collaborating countries have been used to illustrate research performance of KSA. Relevant bibliometric studies on medical and dental research have been reviewed. Microsoft Excel used for data analysis.
Key Findings: The results of the study provide various characteristics of dental literature published during the projected period. Total of 6,415 research items produced by 22 Arab countries, a share of KSA counted 2,427 (37.83%) documents. Nearly half of the research items (n=1,209; 49.81%) published during the last three years from 2015 to 2017. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice published 242 articles. King Saud University (KSU) appeared highest prolific national institution (n=938) and Alexandria University with 67 papers grasp top rank in international research collaborating institutions. United States (US) with 474 papers stood at the top in collaborating countries. Most of the papers have been written on the subject of dental procedures, resin, dental caries, tooth prosthesis and dental implants. Dr. Shankargouda Patil affiliated with Jazan University found as the most instrumental author with 60 publications in his credit.
Conclusions/Implications: Findings of this study illustrate that dentistry has been progressing over the years in KSA. High tech dental research has a direct impact on the oral health and wellbeing of citizens. KSA researchers are thriving for more informed dental practices and research-based education leading to quality oral health care to their community.