An Analysis of Turkish YouTube Videos on Dental Radiography During Pregnancy: Content and Source Characteristics

Abstract

Background: Video-based digital platforms such as YouTube have become important sources of health information, especially for sensitive populations like pregnant individuals. However, the quality and reliability of such content remain a concern, particularly regarding radiographic procedures during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the content quality and reliability of YouTube videos on “dental radiography during pregnancy” using the DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) tools and to analyze whether these metrics vary based on the source of content.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive analysis was conducted on publicly available TurkishlanguageYouTube videos between July 5 and July 7, 2025. Videos were assessed by 2 independentreviewers using the DISCERN (5-item, 25-point scale) and GQS (5-point Likert scale). Videos were categorized into “Poor,” “Moderate,” or “Good” quality based on DISCERN scores. Statistical comparisons were made using one-way ANOVA.

Results: Among the 42 analyzed videos, 59% were of moderate quality, 23% of low quality, and 18% of high quality. The overall mean DISCERN score was 15.3 Å} 2.7, and the mean GQS score was 3.4 Å} 0.7. No significant differences in DISCERN or GQS scores were found according to content source (doctor, channel, or hospital) (P > .05). Although videos uploaded by individual healthcare professionals received more likes (99.8 Å} 200.9) and had higher view rates (1717 Å} 1248 views/day), the content quality (DISCERN and GQS) was similar across all sources. Videos in the “Good” quality group had significantly higher GQS scores (4.1 Å} 0.3, P = .001).

Conclusion: YouTube content on dental radiography during pregnancy is generally of moderate quality. The involvement of healthcare professionals as speakers in all videos may explain the uniformity in content accuracy. GQS appears to be a sensitive tool for distinguishing presentation quality. Increasing professional visibility and promoting evidence-based content on digital platforms is recommended.

Cite this article as: S.zen E, .zbey F. An analysis of Turkish YouTube videos on dental radiography during pregnancy: content and source characteristics. Essent Dent. 2026, 4, 0086, doi:10.5152/EssentDent.2026.25086