Smile Design on Turkish YouTube: A Content and Quality Analysis

Smile design focuses on enhancing oral health and aesthetics by optimizing the shape, size, color, and alignment of teeth. Interest in this field has grown, influenced by television and online platforms. This study analyzed the content and quality of Turkish YouTube videos about smile design. On September 15, 2023, the term "smile design" was searched using Turkish characters via a VPN in Turkey. Of the first 75 videos, 61 meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Videos were evaluated using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), modified DISCERN scoring, and an eight-category quality system. Statistical comparisons were made using Chi-Square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). Findings revealed that 27.8% of videos were created by dentists, 95.1% targeted lay audiences, and 86.9% aimed at informing patients. Most videos (59%) had poor content, with a mean modified DISCERN score of 2.1?0.7. According to GQS, 55.7% were of low quality, often missing critical information. Videos created by dentists received significantly more likes (median 56 vs. 11; p=0.001) and views (median 8090 vs. 2600; p=0.029) than those by organizations, though content quality did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Overall, Turkish YouTube videos on smile design were of low quality and had poor content, with limited views and likes. The source and duration of videos did not determine quality, nor did quality directly influence audience engagement.