Reliability of Information in YouTube Videos on the Application of Calcium Hydroxide

Background: This study evaluated the quality of YouTube videos about calcium hydroxide dressing as an intracanal medicament during endodontic treatment based on the uploader and the video presenter. Methods: Literature-based definitions guided the process. The search terms “calcium hydroxide dressing,” “calcium hydroxide in endodontics,” and “intracanal medicament” were searched using the Boolean operator “OR.” Twenty-two English videos of acceptable quality were analyzed twice with a 2-month interval. Video quality was assessed using the Video Information and Quality Index(VIQI), and content was evaluated with 16 specific criteria developed explicitly for this study. Video duration, source (general dentist/specialist/company), presenter (general dentist/specialist), number of views, likes, and dislikes were recorded. Interaction Index and View Rate were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0; Mann–Whitney U and independent samples t-tests were applied as appropriate. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in the interaction index and view rate or total usefulness scores based on the video’s uploader or presenter. However, none of the evaluated videos provided high scientific content. While information level and quality did not differ significantly by uploader, videos presented by specialist dentists showed significantly higher quality (p=0.019). Conclusion: The YouTube videos evaluated in this study showed limitations in scientific reliability as sources of information on calcium hydroxide use in endodontics. If it is to be used as an educational tool, videos presented by experts in the field should be prioritized.