Social Media in Dentistry How to use them ethically

Social Media in Dentistry How to use them ethically.

Social Media in our everyday life…. Social media is a web-based technology that makes it easier for many individuals to communicate socially through a network. The Internet is a commonly used network. However, there are social media platforms for regional and local networks as well. It is beyond dispute that social media and networks, as well as marketing tools and resources, are effective for connecting with patients and coworkers as well as disseminating and gaining access to scientific knowledge. It would be outdated and unwise to give them up or refuse to utilize them..

But…. Have we ever consider how social media can affect our work lives as dental professionals? How can we use social media while keeping a clear professional and ethical side?.

Dentists can and should promote their career paths, areas of expertise, and treatment methods by focusing on facts that help the general public comprehend them in an educative way that does not typically involve commercialization, unfair competition, or devaluation of the dental profession Although, it has become epidemic to recommend costly cosmetic treatments, frequently on young people, while completely ignoring any long-term consequences. It appears that dentistry no longer considers itself to be a healthcare profession. Social media has not been used to promote health, as has been the case..

And what about ethics?. We cannot stop fighting for bigger causes or for the safety of our patients. The best guidance for that goal comes from ethics, which is unaffected by trends and consistently flexible in the face of fresh conundrums and difficulties. In contrast to individualistic and dishonest interests, ethics is a collection of values and principles that promote peaceful and respectful interactions between various individuals, ideas, and ideologies for the benefit of the entire community Privacy and confidentiality have been violated as a result of the unethical use of social media..

After all, ethics is a personal decision. Because of this, if you utilize social media and online networks unethically, you shouldn't do it because you're forced to or because "the patients and the market require it." You take action because you decide to. As professionals we have to think twice before posting anything online Patients’ privacy and confidentiality have to be on the top of our priorities.

How can we use social media to promote our services in an ethical way?.

For any promotional material, we should make sure:.

Conclusion.

What about posting now….. We need to have the written consent of our patient for the use of confidential patient information in marketing material Patients need to understand precisely what information is retained, displayed or published, where and when, who will see it and the likely consequences Don't use identifiable patient material unless absolutely necessary, and obtain consent in every instance. Let the patient know that they can withdraw their consent at any time.

Bibliography. Simplício, A.H. de M. (2019). Social media and Dentistry: ethical and legal aspects. Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, 24(6), pp.80–89. doi:10.1590/2177-6709.24.6.080-089.sar. www.theddu.com. (n.d.). Advertising your practice ethically - The DDU. [online] Available at: https://www.theddu.com/guidance-and-advice/guides/advertising-your-practice-ethically. Rattan MBE, R. (2022). Social media: ethical perspectives. British Dental Journal, [online] 233(8), pp.645–645. doi:10.1038/s41415-022-5093-x..