Abstract:Objective To analyze the research profile, hotspots, and trends of occupational exposure among dental healthcare workers in China through visualized knowledge mapping, providing insights and directions for future prevention and control strategies. Methods Occupational exposure in dental healthcare workers relevant articles published in the CNKI database from its inception to February 2025 were retrieved. The included literature was analyzed using CiteSpace 6.3 software, with authors, research institutions, and Keywords as nodes to generate a visualized map. Results A total of 181 articles were included, revealing no clearly cohesive core research team. The institutions with the highest publication output were Sichuan University (West China Hospital of Stomatology), Jilin University (Hospital of Stomatology), and Peking University Hospital of Stomatology. Keywords representing research hotspots included occupational exposure, sharp injuries, influencing factors, nursing, disinfection, education, infection control, risk factors, countermeasures, dental department, and occupational protection. Conclusion Research on occupational exposure among dental healthcare workers in China started relatively late, with a narrow scope and limited inter-institutional collaboration. Future studies should strengthen integration and exploration in comprehensive management, human-centered approaches, regional cooperation, and legal considerations.