Bibliometric and science-mapping analysis of translation-oriented signals across six dental stem-cell subtypes: a Web of Science study (2000–2025)


Zahedah R.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, vol.30, no.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 30 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10006-026-01564-2
  • Journal Name: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: Bibliometric analysis, Biomaterials, Dental stem cells, Extracellular vesicles, Overlap-aware analysis, Regenerative dentistry, Science mapping
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objectives: To benchmark publication growth, conceptual structure, and translation-oriented signals across six dental stem-cell (DSC) subtypes from 2000 to 2025. Methods: Web of Science Core Collection (SCI-E/SSCI/ESCI) was searched (2000–2025) for DPSC, PDLSC, SHED, SCAP, DFSC, and GMSC records. After cross-subtype deduplication, corpus-level indicators and networks were computed on the deduplicated corpus (N = 13,327) using fractional assignment to avoid multi-subtype inflation. Subtype-level time trends were computed within each subtype export (full counting). Translation-oriented signals (biomaterials/scaffolds, in vivo models, EVs/exosomes, clinical-trial mentions) were estimated from a stratified random sample of 500 records per subtype (fixed seed 20251216) using rule-based dictionaries with manual verification of sampled classifications. Results: Output increased sharply after 2010 and spanned 1,462 journals. DPSC and PDLSC dominated publication volume, while SHED, SCAP, DFSC, and GMSC showed later growth. Science mapping resolved four recurring themes (regeneration applications; biomaterials/differentiation; angiogenesis/VEGF; immunomodulation/EVs). Across subtypes, biomaterials/scaffold and in vivo-model signals were frequent, EV/exosome signals rose after 2015, and clinical-trial mentions remained uncommon; SHED and GMSC showed comparatively higher EV/exosome and trial-mention proportions. Conclusions: This subtype-resolved, overlap-aware evidence map provides a basis for comparative benchmarking and highlights where translational emphasis is increasing versus where clinical evidence remains sparse. Clinical relevance: These findings may help inform model selection, biomaterials strategy design, and prioritization of evidence gaps in regenerative dentistry.