2018 in review

The Top 100 issue is a longstanding tradition here at Dental Products Report, and one we look forward to every year. DPR published its first “Trends in Dentistry” issue in December 1984, and for almost as long, the magazine has used the December issue to showcase products that received the higher reader response throughout the year. But, we know that there’s more to dentistry than just products - which is why our Top 100 issue includes a whole lot more.

In addition to the products that stood out in 2018, our Top 100 includes the most-viewed dental, practice management, lab and hygiene articles; the most popular videos that captured your attention throughout the year; and the top how-tos demonstrating products and techniques. Dr. John Flucke, DPR’s chief dental editor and technology editor, shares his top test drives from the year and explains how and why those products won him over While criteria for each list differed, this compilation represents feedback from you, our readers and users, the insight of our editorial team, and conversations with key opinion leaders and our editorial advisory board. Any list that includes the phrase “most viewed” or “most popular” is based on reader interest as measured through traffic on dentalproductsreport.com. It’s important to note that recognition of these products and articles isn’t an unqualified endorsement by DPR, and we don’t present it as a completely comprehensive review of products in the industry.

Trending article: The top 10 most-read articles of 2018

And while the list shows which particular articles were the most popular, we also wanted to feature what types of features were the most-consumed this year. We monitored our reader interest in various features in two main ways: First, we track the performance of articles on the web - what is being viewed, liked, commented on and shared; Second, we invest in a readership study conducted by a third-party vendor that asks subscribers what they prioritize and value in DPR’s content mix. The amazing thing is, no matter how much we asked or who we asked, our techniques, case studies and how-to pieces continue to be among the top-requested, best-read and most-valued
articles. Knowing that, we pulled out the top 10 how-to pieces from 2018, which include restorative dentistry techniques, helpful how-tos and other step-by-steps showcasing how new technologies are used in dentistry every day.

Agree or disagree?

Our online promotion of the different lists will be not just a platform for sharing the news, but we hope a platform for conversation on what belongs on each list. What product should have been an editor’s choice? What how-to from this year should have been recognized? We want to know what you think. Your feedback is the lifeblood of what we do - not just in this special issue but year-round. We’re proud of what we’ve put together for you this month, and we look forward to the debates over who and what should have been on the list(s). Don’t be shy; chime in!