Is there a decline of Scientific Output in South African Dentistry: Addressing the Concerns and Nurturing Future Scientists

Abstract

I have received comments in general discussion with colleagues who ask me whether scientific progress in South African dentistry has declined over the last decade. Researchers and academics often point to a decline in the quantity and quality of this research, leading to concern and speculation. While there is no definitive data or statistics to support these claims, anecdotal information suggests that the quantity of dental research publications in South Africa have declined over the past few years. This decline may be due to a number of factors, including financial constraints, lack of resources, limited time available, and his recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has further strained the field. However, these are not a sufficient explanation for the decline and the dental community needs to take action to address this problem.