European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

It is not surprising that dentists have demonstrated a keen interest in information exchange and patient communication via social media. It is also an inexpensive method to advertise a dental clinic through social media. Hence we sought to determine through this review the effects of social media on the field of dentistry by choosing appropriate studies. Methods: After a thorough search of the online journals, 103 documents were found in total, and 54 of the papers were initially chosen. Finally, 21 papers that satisfied the inclusion and exclusion requirements were selected, including study articles and control trials that were random or not. The following strings of search (MeSH) phrases, which are composed of relevant text words and Boolean connections, were used to search databases: "Social media OR dentistry OR effect of social media on dentistry OR social platforms OR electronic media AND area of dentistry." Results: All the 21 selected studies showed usage of various social media platforms by dental professionals, with an average of >90% having at least one social media account. WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube were found to be the three most popular social media platforms amongst dentists and dental students alike, with entertainment and learning being the two most common purposes of using these platforms. Conclusion: The results of this review demonstrate that social media and its platforms have generally had a positive impact on the field of dentistry. Dental professionals use the various platforms to effectively communicate information about oral health to patients and to further their own understanding of current trends in this industry