Measuring reach in oral and maxillofacial surgery: Proposal of a new bibliometric index incorporating reads

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between traditional citation metrics and alternative indicators of research impact, focusing on oral and maxillofacial surgery. It examines the role of readings and mentions in understanding a study's broader influence and proposes a novel bibliometric index to integrate these dimensions. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on articles published in 12 primary oral and maxillofacial surgery journals, using data from Dimensions, ResearchGate, and Mendeley. The top 25 most cited and mentioned articles were analyzed for readings, mentions, and citations. Data normalization with Z-scores and regression analysis was performed to evaluate correlations between readings and citations. Data visualization and statistical analyses were conducted using RStudio. Results: Among 132,905 published articles, 609 were analyzed. A moderate positive correlation (R = 0.663) between readings and citations was observed, with readings exceeding citations by an average of 7.3 times. Regression analysis indicated readings as a meaningful predictor of citation impact, explaining 44 % of the variation in citation scores. Complications and platelet-rich products emerged as topics with higher engagement. Despite correlations, readings and citations captured distinct aspects of article significance, emphasizing readership's importance in reflecting immediate relevance and broader interest. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to research impact assessment. The proposed "Impact for Readers" index, combining readings and citations, offers a nuanced metric that values both academic recognition and practical utility, aligning with the evolving priorities of the scientific community in the digital era.