Insights and networks: methodological assessment and scientometric analysis of economic evaluations in dentistry

Abstract

Introduction: Assessing the methodological quality of economic evaluations (EEs) is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. The study aimed to evaluate EEs in restorative dentistry and endodontics, while also analyzing the scientific landscape of researchers and publications through co-authorship and citation network analysis providing an insight into the distribution of scientific expertise.

Methodology: A systematic search for relevant articles from 2012 to 2022 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. The ten-point Drummond checklist was used to appraise the methodological quality of included studies. Bibliometric data for network analysis were extracted from the Dimensions database and visualized using VOSviewer software.

Results: Of the 37 articles, 81.08% scored good, 16.21% average, and 2.7% poor on the methodological rating scale. Most of the included studies were in Q1 journals, with limited representation in Q2 and Q3 journals. Compliance was highest in Q2 journals (95%), followed by Q1 (88.36%), while it dropped to 40% for Q3 journals. Co-authorship analysis revealed a dense network of researchers, with Prof. Falk Schwendicke V. having a significant influence. Moreover, the Journal of Dentistry had the highest impact, followed by Journal of Endodontics and BMC Oral Health.

Conclusions: Despite a diverse scientific landscape, participation from developing countries was limited emphasizing the need for inclusivity and diversity in the scientific network. While the quantity of good-quality studies was encouraging, the overall quality of evidence remains paramount for decision-making in healthcare policy and practice. Therefore, continuous efforts to improve methodological rigor and reporting practices are essential to contribute robust evidence.

Keywords: Cost-effectiveness analysis; Economic evaluation; Endodontics (MeSH terms); Health economics; Healthcare Economics; Restorative Dentistry.

Fig. 1

PRISMA flowchart [17]

Fig. 2

Co-authorship and citation network analysis showing the pattern of contribution between researchers and journal sources. The node size represents the number of articles published by each author or source; the line connecting nodes represents existent relationships with thicker lines representing a stronger link

Fig. 3

Doughnut pie chart representing main themes in restorative dentistry & endodontics (inner circle showing gradients of green represent restorative dentistry whereas outer circle showing gradients of blue represent endodontics)