A Scoping Review of the Quality of Orthodontic Information on YouTube

Abstract

YouTube is among the most popular social media platforms globally. The aim of this scoping review was to collate and synthesise the evidence related to the quality of information (QOI) about orthodontic-related videos uploaded to YouTube. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines were employed by two independent researchers to search and screen the literature over four electronic databases. The study topics were assigned into one of five general categories: ‘Appliances’, ‘Orthodontic conditions’, ‘Orthodontics’, ‘Quality of life’ and ‘Treatment techniques and auxiliaries’. The searches initially returned 82 unique records. A total of 35 cross-sectional studies, evaluating 3129 videos with more than 181,563,304 views, were identified for systematic appraisal after the application of selection criteria. The findings indicated that YouTube plays a prominent role in the provision and sharing of orthodontic-related information. Although the information provided by orthodontic treatment providers was of slightly higher quality, the overall quality of all orthodontic information was generally poor. The studies covered a wide range of orthodontic-related subjects, with those related to appliances, especially clear aligners, being commonplace. Evaluation of the QOI frequently involved the use of the modified DISCERN, video information quality index (VIQI) and global quality score (GQS) tools. Content analysis was employed in most studies, but there was considerable heterogeneity in the use and reporting of this approach. Improvement of the quality of videos, either with or without the involvement of professional bodies, was frequently recommended by the studies.