AI-supported citation mapping for evidence retrieval in dental education: a controlled study in dental students.

Authors

  • Benjamin Aranda-Herrera Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (LII), Nanostructures and Biomaterials Area, School of Dentistry, National School of Higher Studies (ENES) Leon, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Leon, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4273-7548
  • Itzi Misael Lara-Tiscareño Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (LII), Nanostructures and Biomaterials Area, School of Dentistry, National School of Higher Studies (ENES) Leon, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Leon, Mexico https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8168-2196
  • Rene Garcia-Contreras Nanostructures and Biomaterials Area, Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (LII), National School of Higher Studies (ENES), Leon Unit, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3504-5519
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/edumed.720321
Keywords: Dental Education, Evidence-Based Dentistry, Educational Technology, Information Literacy

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can support the search and organization of scientific literature in dental education, particularly during the development of systematic reviews. This study evaluated the impact of Litmaps, an AI-supported citation mapping tool, on the performance of dental students during systematic literature review exercises. A pilot controlled educational intervention with two parallel groups was conducted. The experimental design was conducted with 30 students, divided into an experimental group (using the AI-based tool) and the control group (conventional search). The variables measured included the number of articles identified, time spent searching, quality of the reviews and students' perceptions through pre/post questionnaire application. The experimental group identified more relevant articles than the control group (17.8 ± 3.6 vs. 12.4 ± 4.2; p < 0.05) and spent less time on the search process (9.6 ± 2.5 h vs. 14.3 ± 3.1 h; p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in review quality (16.2 ± 1.1 vs. 15.9 ± 1.3; p = 0.56). Most students evaluated the AI-supported citation mapping tool positively, although one-third acknowledged excessive reliance on it. The use of the AI-supported citation mapping tool improved the efficiency of literature searches without affecting the quality of analysis, highlighting its potential as a support resource in teaching scientific methodology, provided it is accompanied by critical and reflective guidance.

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Published
01-07-2026
How to Cite
Aranda-Herrera, B., Lara-Tiscareño, I. M., & Garcia-Contreras, R. (2026). AI-supported citation mapping for evidence retrieval in dental education: a controlled study in dental students. Spanish Journal of Medical Education, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.6018/edumed.720321
Issue
Vol. 7 No. 5 (2026): Spanish Journal of Medical Education
Section
Artículos

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