It is becoming increasingly common for dental professionals to utilise social media channels to increase their professional presence online, for example to advertise their services; to help disseminate dental knowledge to the wider public; and to form professional networks with other clinicians.

As such, in recent years there has been a rise in dental 'influencers'. Broadly speaking, this is an individual who has access to an audience and can influence others to act based on their recommendations. While influencers are most commonly associated with Instagram, they also produce content for other channels such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

Dental professionals may become influencers for a number of different reasons. Some use social media platforms to explore issues related to being a dental professional, to encourage others into the profession or to inform and educate the general public on various health topics. Consequently, many have been approached by high-profile dental, health, fitness and lifestyle brands to become brand ambassadors or to participate in brand events and webinars.

Without input from qualified dental professionals, health misinformation could go unchallenged on social media so it is important that the dental profession should have some presence in these spheres. However, it is important to exercise caution if asked for specific advice by an individual as doing so is likely to establish a duty of care and could allow a patient to pursue a clinical negligence claim if they were dissatisfied with any advice received.

“Dental professionals need to be mindful about the content they produce and share on social media platforms. It is important not to discuss individual patients, living or dead.”

Considerations when engaging with social media

Dental professionals need to be mindful about the content they produce and share on social media platforms. For example, it may be tempting to relay anecdotes or examples from your clinical practice to illustrate a point. However, it is important not to discuss individual patients, living or dead. Posting details of a clinical case, however heavily anonymised, without patient consent could be a breach of confidentiality - as could sharing a photograph of a patient's condition. It might be possible for someone to identify a patient even when discussing a case anonymously.

Also, it is important to consider how any comments you make either at an event or on social media may be perceived by colleagues, patients or the general public.

Additionally, it is imperative that social media influencers are upfront and honest regarding any payment they receive as a result of a brand event or any social media activity undertaken.

Advertisements must be clearly defined as such at the start of the post, commonly with the hashtag #AD, or similar. The Advertising Standards Authority also states that "if a brand gives an influencer a payment, free item, or other 'perk', any resulting posts referencing the brand or their products become subject to consumer protection law, enforced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and others, such as Trading Standards".

Finally, it is important to ensure you have appropriate indemnity in place for any work done in your capacity as a dental professional. It may be advisable to contact your dental defence organisation. DDU members can find more information in the DDU's member guide at theddu.com.

This article originally appeared in BDJ Team and has been edited for publication.