Bibliometric analysis of doctorate thesis on the health sciences area: first part. odontology

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the foliowing study was to describe trends ¡ti the use of iriformation by dentistry thesists and their research topics in Medical Education. Ethics and History. Material and Methods: Of a total of 290 doctorate thesis of the Dentistry Faculty made from 1965 to 2002, were iclentified: 3 theses on Medical Education and 1 on Ethics. On these, bibliographic quotations from periodic and non periodic publications, as well as quotations froru doctorate thesis anci congrcss acts were analyzed. In addition the antiquity of these was analyzed considering a period of five years between the date of accomplishment of the thesis and the une of the used hihliographical dluotation. Results: The total of analyzed quotations vas of 492, presentirlg an average of 123 quotations pee thesis. 62 pee cent of Ihe quotations corresponded tu non periodic publications, 37 pee cent to periodic publications and 2 per cent to quotations from doctorate thesis and congress acts. In regard of the antiquity of the dluotations. 42 per cent was snialler to 5 years and. 58 per cent was greater than that perioci of time. Conclusion: Wc concluded the doctorate thesis represent the highest degree of scientific and acadeniic expression, and constitute a rich and valuable source of data. The analysis of these theses is very important because it provides information about the trends and innovations on the on the arcas of Medical Education, Etliics and History. It would be (very) useful to extend the bibliomctric analysis towards other theniatic areas, generaling a refcrence for future rcscarch.