Objective This bibliometric analysis aimed to systematically evaluate publication performance and identify evolving trends in dental anxiety research over the past three decades, providing a structured overview of key research topics and thematic progression.

Methods The study analyzed 1,556 articles indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded database from 1991 to 2024. Data extraction included titles, abstracts, author keywords, and Keywords Plus. The analytical approach incorporated bibliometric indicators such as total citations, citations per publication, and annual publication trends. A word analysis technique identified five major research topics and their evolution across three distinct periods: 1991–2011, 2012–2019, and 2020–2024.

Results Analysis highlighted significant growth in dental anxiety research publications, particularly in recent years, reflecting increased global interest. The study identified five main thematic areas: Etiology and Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation and Consequences, Prevalence and Assessment Tools, Treatment and Preventive Interventions, and Pediatric Dentistry. The trends indicated a growing emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and adjunctive therapies such as virtual reality and aromatherapy. Pediatric dentistry consistently emerged as a critical field, underscoring the importance of early interventions.

Conclusion This bibliometric review demonstrated substantial advancements in understanding dental anxiety, emphasizing multidisciplinary treatments and tailored pediatric interventions. Future research should focus on integrating novel therapeutic strategies and refining preventive measures to mitigate dental anxiety effectively.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

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