BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF POSTGRADUATE THESES EMPLOYING ULTRASONOGRAPHIC IMAGING IN THE FIELD OF DENTISTRY IN TÜRKIYE

Ezgi KATI, Makbule GÖKTEPE

Clinical Dentistry and Research - 2026;50(2):89-97

Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Dicle University, Sur, 21280 Diyarbakır TURKEY

 

Background and Aim: The aim of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis of master's, doctoral, and dental specialty theses conducted in the field of dentistry in Türkiye that employed ultrasonographic imaging. Material and Methods: A search was conducted using relevant keywords on the website of the National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education. All master's, doctoral, and dental specialty theses employing ultrasonographic imaging in the field of dentistry published up to December 31, 2025 were identified. The obtained data were listed in Microsoft Excel according to thesis type, publication date, university name and type, department in which the study was conducted, methodology, and keyword information. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 77 postgraduate theses meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Thesis production increased markedly after 2020, and the studies were largely concentrated in the departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Most of the studies had a clinical design, and the majority of theses were supervised by senior academics. Keyword analysis indicated that theses primarily focused on temporomandibular joint evaluation, masticatory muscles, and elastography-based imaging techniques. Conclusion: The findings indicate that ultrasonographic imaging, particularly in oral and maxillofacial radiology, has increased over time in theses written at dentistry faculties in Türkiye. The predominance of clinical studies highlights the practical applicability of ultrasonography, while the findings suggest that it represents a promising modality with potential for broader integration into dental practice.