The Profile of Articles on AXIN2 Mutations, Oligodontia, and Ethical Statements in Dental Research

Abstract

Purpose Editors often require ethical statements in research publications. This is particularly important with genetic data where discrimination may occur upon data disclosures. The purpose of this research is to determine if there was a positive trend of publishing ethical statements in dental genetic research. The study is limited to AXIN2 mutations which may be associated with oligodontia and cancer. Methods A MEDLINE search of 2011–2021 articles concerning AXIN2, oligodontia, and ethical statements was conducted. Reviews, nonhuman subject research, abstracts, and articles not written nor translated into English were excluded. Results Forty-four studies were found; 10 excluded. There were 25 (75.8%) with ethical statements, and 25 (75.8%) with participant consent statements. There was no significant difference by year in ethical statements over the ten years (p = 0.094). Conclusion There is a need to encourage more ethical statements in publications especially for genetically sensitive topics to reassure readers of ethical practices.