The Evolution of Prosthodontic Postgraduates Research in China: A Retrospective Study from A Chinese School of Stomatology

Objectives: To investigate the changes of research interests of prosthodontics. Methods: A number of 242 postgraduates’ theses between 2009 and 2019 from department of prosthodontics were collected from the university library. The theses distribution by years and degree types (master/ doctor, academic/professional) were counted. The theses were categorized according to their general research areas. The top three categories were sub-divided according to their specific research contents and their distribution were determined.

Results: The academic degree percentage decreased from 2009 to 2013 and then increased, while the professional degree percentage was the opposite. The Implant category was the highest and could be sub-divided into Surface biofunctionalization (54%), Mechanisms study (28%) and Others. The percentage of Surface biofunctionalization was more than Mechanisms study in different degree types. However, the Mechanisms study ratio began to increase after 2014. Ceramic category was the second higher and was sub-divided into Ceramic performance (47%), Processing technique (12%), Metal-ceramic interaction (27%) and Others. The Ceramic performance and Metal-ceramic interaction were the dominant in different degree types. However, after 2014, the Metal-ceramic interaction study was gradually vanished. The Adhesion was the third higher and subdivided into Mechanisms study (29%), Application study (53%) and Others. The Application study was more than Mechanisms study, in all different degree types. In the initial years, the Mechanisms study had not performed, and then appeared gradually.

Conclusion: The research interests of prosthodontics are closely related to the development of clinical restoration methods. The mechanisms study may grow continuously in the near future.

Keywords: Prosthodontics; Postgraduate education; Research interests; Degree thesis