The DDU introduces e-learning to help dental professionals use social media appropriately and avoid the dento-legal pitfalls that can come with it.

Social media is an inescapable part of both professional and personal life. Used properly, it can be a great asset for promoting your practice, accepting feedback and much more.

But there's another side to social media that has the potential to cause all sorts of dento-legal issues. Breaches of confidentiality, overstepping professional boundaries, receiving and responding to online criticism; these are just some of the ways that social media can and does lead to problems for dental professionals.

To help DDU members navigate the ethical and legal maze of social media, we have developed a comprehensive online e-learning module that will guide you through the principles of using it responsibly and professionally.

From interacting with patients or colleagues to marketing yourself and your practice to a wider audience, the different sections will equip you with the knowledge you need to make social media an integral part of your professional life.

Choose your route through the course, making your way through nine different interactive scenarios:

  • Dealing with online criticism
  • Patient or friend?
  • Respecting confidentiality
  • Sharing experiences on private forums
  • Dealing with professional criticism
  • Using messaging apps
  • Posting images and case studies
  • Your professional reputation
  • Advertising rules

You'll be asked how you would respond in a certain situation and given feedback on your choices. You'll also be quizzed on your learning as you go, and a final assessment at the end of the module will test your knowledge and give you the chance to earn CPD to add to your portfolio.

Follow this link to begin your online learning experience.

This page was correct at publication on 20/08/2018. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.