The research landscape and trends of dental pulp stem cell studies (2010–2025): A bibliometric analysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality in regenerative medicine, yet systematic bibliometric evaluation of global research landscape has been lacking. Publications from 2010 to 2025 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection. After screening, 4599 English-language articles and reviews were analyzed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix for publication trends, geographic distribution, author collaboration, journal characteristics, citation networks, and keyword co-occurrence. Global DPSC research demonstrated sustained growth, with annual publications increasing from 97 in 2010 to 464 in 2024. China (32.6 %), United States (15.9 %), and Japan (9.9 %) contributed over half the global output, though U.S. publications achieved higher citation impact. Sichuan University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Capital Medical University ranked highest in productivity. Author collaboration revealed interconnected clusters led by pioneering researchers including Shi Songtao, Nakashima Misako, and Nor Jacques E. Journal of Endodontics was the leading publishing platform, while co-citation analysis highlighted intellectual influence of multidisciplinary journals including Stem Cells, Biomaterials, and PNAS. Keyword analyses demonstrated thematic evolution from cellular characterization toward translational applications, with emerging frontiers focusing on extracellular vesicles, exosomes, and cell-free therapeutic strategies. DPSC research has evolved into a mature, internationally collaborative scientific discipline successfully bridging fundamental biology and clinical application. A pivotal paradigm shift from cell-centric to cell-free therapies is currently underway. Future breakthroughs will likely depend on harnessing the DPSC secretome and developing intelligent, clinically viable regenerative strategies. • DPSC publications grew from 97 (2010) to 464 (2024), with China leading in volume and the US in citation impact. • Eight research clusters identified, with extracellular vesicles and conditioned medium indicating cell-free paradigm shift. • International collaboration spans 89 countries and 3204 institutions, demonstrating mature global infrastructure. • Journal of Endodontics dominates as core publication venue, with distribution conforming to Bradford's Law.
Source: Regenerative Therapy
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,800
OpenAlex ID: W4415900077