The aim of this study was to identify bibliographic characteristics and research trends of articles published on the elderly people in dental hygiene. An analysis was done of 191 articles published from 1999 to 2017. Bibliographic characteristics were nine items such as publication journal, research design, research participants, number of researchers, data analysis method, keywords, research topic, and validity and reliability report. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of statistical program. First, the research on the elderly, which was published in dental hygiene, started to be published in 1999 and on going. Though major publications have been published in Journal of Korean Society of Dental Hygiene and Journal of Dental Hygiene Science, the kinds of journals are becoming diverse. Second, cross-sectional research was the most. Third, the elderly were the most studied subjects, but the criteria varied. Fourth, the number of authors was largest in order of two and three person. Fifth, data analysis method was in order of descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA. Sixth, there were many duplication of keywords about oral, elderly, and health. Seventh, oral health behavior science was the most studied subject. Eighth, validity and reliability were reported at 27.4% and 51.6%, respectively. Ninth, only 15.7% of study was founded research funding. Based on the results of this study, we consider increase experimental research further. Therefore, it is recommeded that validity and reliability should be reported in research paper, and the keywords used in the field of dental hygiene should be agreed upon.
