The decision making trial and evaluation laboratory(DEMATEL) as an algorithm targeted for the study and resolution of complicated socioeconomic system issues, has been widely applied by local and overseas scholars in recent years. The study of the algorithm has significant theoretical and pratical importance. On the basic of summarization of the DEMATEL procedures, this paper presents a review of recent advances in the DEMATEL algorithm from three aspects, i.e., the basis theory, the integration of multiple expert information for group DEMATEL, and its connection with other methods. Finally, several possible future research directions of the DEMATEL algorithm are recommended.