YouTube as a source of information about pulpotomy and pulp capping: a cross sectional reliability analysis
Κωνσταντίνος Κωδωνάς, Anastasia Fardi
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the quality, reliability and educational content of the information of vital pulp treatment videos available on YouTube. MATERIALS AND METHODS: (JAMA) benchmark criteria and Global Quality Scores (GQS). Videos were categorized by uploading source. RESULTS: Regarding pulpotomy, 31.7% of the videos were uploaded by specialists and 68.3% were directed by non-specialists. In the case of pulp capping, the corresponding percentages were 45% and 55%, respectively. Videos uploaded by specialists had significantly higher modified DISCERN, JAMA and GQS scores compared to those uploaded by non-specialists. Endodontists tended to have the highest reliability and VPI scores. CONCLUSIONS: YouTube videos on vital pulp treatment contain low educational quality or incomplete information. Low popularity of dental pulp capping and pulpotomy videos may be attributed to the specialized nature of these procedures. As YouTube represents an important source for patient information about different health topics, reliable informative videos should be uploaded by specialized dental professionals.