Scientific production in laser therapy presented at the annual meetings of the international association for dental research from 2015 to 2024: a bibliometric review

Purpose This study evaluated the global landscape of laser therapy in dentistry through a bibliometric analysis of abstracts published in the proceedings of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) meetings from 2015 to 2024. Methods Searches included the terms “Laser,” “Laser Therapy”, “Photobiomodulation”, “Low-Level Laser,” “High-Intensity Laser,” and “Photodynamic Therapy” in titles, abstracts, and keywords. Variables analyzed were year of publication, geographic origin, dental specialty, funding status and agencies, financial interest disclosure, laser type, study design, and educational institution. Categorical variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies, and temporal trends were assessed using the Mann–Kendall test (α = 0.05). Results A total of 301 abstracts were identified with an average of 27 per year. The United States (30.2%) and Brazil (26.9%) led scientific production, with strong participation from Brazilian public universities, particularly the University of São Paulo. High-power lasers were the most frequently used (56.1%), and restorative dentistry was the most represented specialty (26.9%). Most studies were laboratory-based (77.4%), and 42.9% reported financial support. Conclusion These findings highlight the concentration of research in specific regions and the predominance of laboratory studies, emphasizing the need to expand geographic distribution, increase clinical trials, and strengthen funding policies worldwide.